January is always a time of "new." We are still somewhat fascinated with our new Christmas presents we opened days ago. We reflect back on the old things of the year past, and look toward everything different in a new calendar year. There is something mentally magical about stepping into a new season; new resolutions shed new light on the dimly lit circumstances of December 31st. Gym memberships increase exponentially in this month, diet plans are begun, and rough outlines are sketched for the way we will live out our day to day in a better way. Fitness awareness, both spiritually and physically are at an all time high, but for some reason will drop off in just a few short weeks. Could our resolution increase if we changed the way we change?
In Daniel chapter 3, we find three individuals resolute to be different. Enveloped in a culture of idolatry and slavery, these men were not hesitant to stand amid wave of adversity. You see, the king had set up an idol, that upon the sounding music every person should bow and worship. As every other face kissed the ground, three men stood boldly. Purposed. Resolved. As they were reminded of the coming punishment, incineration in a hell-on-earth furnace, they answered in a most peculiar way.
"Our God is able to deliver us from that fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand." Seems like that would have been a great place to stop. I mean, don't we "hipster Christians" just claim the victory in the name of Jesus? But they continued on, three words that will shape our 2014: "But if not, be it known that we will still not bow down." In other words, "we are so consumed in our faith that we believe God will deliver us, but even if he doesn't, we will still push forward."
This is faith to the extreme! The American Christian defines faith as a belief or hope, even quoting Hebrews 11:1 in the context of their misconception. However, faith is not a state of mind, but rather an active resolve. Hebrews 11:1 speaks of NOW faith. Faith for the moment. Substantially Evident.
As you assemble your list of resolutions, it will take great faith to bring them to fruition. Paul writes in Philippians 3 "forgetting those things which are behind ... I press toward the mark." A new year holds new challenges ahead, but if our gaze is fixed on the past, we will stumble over each new hurdle. Remember the times you failed last year? Forget those! They do not define your new year. Hey....remember those times you had great success last year? Take a moment to let that inspire you....now forget those, because they are in the past. How can I focus on today's challenges while saturated in yesterday's success and stumbling? Besides...I don't want the same as last year, I want God to do a new thing while developing new faith...now faith!
Here's how to keep your new year's resolutions:
1. Let go of your past.
You can't control the past, because its gone. But you can move in the moment.
2. Know your goals.
Write them down. Recite them. Share them. Be intimately connected with each of your goals. How can you arrive at a destination you have not established? When I learned how to ride a bike, my dad told me to pick a spot, and look toward it until I got there, then pick a new spot ahead. Same goes for driving. Make some mini goals, mini destinations that help you end 2014 well.
3. Prioritize. Destroy Distractions.
You will make time for what is important to you. However cliche, that is a fact! Prioritize your life, then eliminate the distractions that don't help you accomplish your goals. Destroy them. Murder them with extreme prejudice. Distractions are a disease that will plague you eternally unless you self-medicate.
4. Stop being so insecure.
For real, what are you afraid of? Write those things down. Now, aren't they silly? God doesn't make junk! Adopt your insecurities as your greatest strengths....didn't the Bible say His strength is made perfect in our weakness? So where I am weak...I'm actually strongest! I jump from the platform of my fear into the arms of his all-sufficient strength.
5. Find Accountability.
Accountability has such an inaccurate connotation. It's not about having someone to point out all your faults. While that is certainly applicable, it is more about having someone to lift you up in the good times and bad! Find a personal cheerleader who will pump you up when you succeed, and challenge you when you fall.
God makes all things move FORWARD>>>>>>>>>>>>
#Forwardin14
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