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Presented by Lauren Stibgen
Well, it is one month into the new year, and like me, I am sure you have resolved to accomplish something in this new year. Surprisingly, only 38% of the population commits to a resolution. The most popular resolutions are in the areas of physical and mental health, followed by finances and social relationships. All these resolutions can be God-honoring, but the truth is sometimes our plans are not God’s plans. Proverbs 16:9 reminds me in their hearts, humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. There are New and Old Testament examples of God impacting man’s plans.
If we look at Paul’s journeys, we find while he often resolved to take his mission to a certain location, his efforts were frustrated. Whether house arrest or an unexpected shipwreck on Malta, Paul was forced to rely on God’s will for his missions.
In the Old Testament, we saw both Moses and David never reaching their desired achievements. Moses was offered a glimpse of the promised land but never reached it. And David set forth to build a temple for the Lord, but God had other plans to use someone else in both stories to fulfill his plans.
These are examples of huge goals. Maybe yours are just as big, or they are smaller, more incremental improvements you want to make.
Resolutions can bring forth the temptation to rely on myself, rather than rely on God’s grace. Yesterday, we reflected on how God’s power is made perfect in our weakness.
I want to challenge you to look to God to find grace in your time of need. Hebrews 4:16 exhorts us to approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
How can you seek the Lord in your resolutions? Knowing that you can’t do it alone, I would encourage you to pray about your resolutions and seek scripture that can encourage you when you feel like your resolutions are falling by the wayside. Ask God to show you his will for what you have resolved. Is this his plan for you?
God will supply every need of yours to his riches and glory of Christ Jesus. His plans for you are for your good.
Is it health you are seeking? Restored relationships? Better stewardship with your finances? Ask God for his grace as you approach his word with confidence.
Lord, help our listeners today to be encouraged by your promises for their good, and give them mercy and grace in their time of need.
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7).