Philippians 3:13-14
“…I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize…”
Happy New Year!
Typically, around this time of year many set goals or make resolutions. A lot of churches like to start the year off with the Daniel Fast which usually lasts about 21 days or some just take the entire month of January. And of course, there are those “new year, new me” or “new year, same me” social media posts, and those who make declarations about who and what has been cut out of their lives. The point is this is a time of new beginnings for many.
As the months go by, many fall off the wagon and give up on their goals. Life happens and plans change. Proverbs 16:9 says, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Does that mean we should not plan or set goals? Absolutely not. It means we must be in alignment with God’s will for our lives. Our goals and desires come from God. Not us. So if things are not working out, then it may be time for a realignment. Examine your motive behind the goals you set. Were the goals set out of selfish ambition or out of the need to fulfill a calling or purpose? When you are not in alignment with God’s will for your life, you will continue to meet with failure. Trust me. Been there. Done that. Got the swag bag.
One of my favorite songs is Moving Forward, written by Ricardo Sanchez and recorded by Israel Houghton. The chorus says,
“You make all things new.
And I will follow you forward.”
We don’t have to wait until the new year to make changes in our lives. We can make a change at any moment. The time does not matter. All that matters is that we are moving forward. Things may not happen on the timeline we desire, but if we are in the will of God, they will happen. “…no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.”[1]
Keep pressing. You’ll get there if it’s in God’s will.
Happy New Year!
[1] Psalm 84:11