I heard that by the second friday in January, folks abandon their New Year's resolutions. Though hopes are high and goals are impressive, resolutions often become too much struggle. For some, it's easier to quit than it is to admit failure from trying. For others, their goals might've been unreachable or unrealistic. But whatever the reason, many people cannot fulfill their resolutions and find themselves reverting back to old habits, old patterns and old behaviors. This might not necessarily be a bad thing (especially if your resolution was to take your goals to an advanced level), but it's important to analyze and understand what keeps us from breaking through that New Year's resolution barrier.
Jane Hansen wrote an article recently entitled, "Why Millions Quit Their Resolutions Today and How You Can Be the Exception" (Forbes.com). She claims that by the second Friday in January, quitting one's resolutions is so commonplace that the second Friday in January has earned the nickname "Quitter's Day". While she praises the need for clear, specific goals, she advises that they not be too ambitious or fail to consider the complexities of daily life. She says that a clear action plan, a tracking system and flexibility is crucial in staying on top of one's resolutions for the new year. While all of these suggestions are not new, I do love what she says about the mindset that is needed to accomplish one's goals: "Resilience is built when we view setbacks not as failures, but as opportunities to learn and grow." In other words, fear, overwhelm and struggle are not absent in aiming to fulfill people's resolutions; therefore, it is imperative that in order to claim success in whatever they're attempting to achieve, setbacks, hurdles and suffering must not come as a surprise. In fact, those who get things done are those who anticipate the struggles and see them as opportunities to grow, rebound and move ahead, regardless of the problems.
The person who sees the end in sight doesn't give up when the going gets tough. Rather, the person who holds onto the light at the end of the tunnel believes that bouncing back is simply part of the process in keeping one's resolution because, after all, achieving the goal will bring the benefit that will make all the hard work worth the effort.
We see this kind of human struggle to reach a goal, win a battle, or fulfill a promise littered throughout the pages of our Bibles. In each of the following situations, God stepped in and gave the strength and ability to enable these people to bring about God's best for them, or their family or their community. Sources tell us about the following people God encouraged to finish the race set out before them:
Joseph: Though betrayed by his brothers and thrown into slavery and prison, God made a way for Joseph to be second in command in all of Egypt and was able, therefore, to help his family and to bring about reconciliation with his brothers, too.
Moses: After murdering an Egyptian, Moses worked with Jethro as a shepherd for 40 years and thought he was lacking in his leadership abilities. God empowered him to lead God's people out of Egypt, across the Red Sea, and to the edge of the Promised Land. Though Joshua would help them conquer Canaan, God took Moses' lack and instead made him sufficient to fulfill God's plans for God's people.
Naomi: Though she lost her husband and thought her dreams were crushed, she trusted God to use her daughter-in-law Ruth to continue to family lineage and blessing. In the midst of grief and loss, God took what Naomi offered in faith and used it to bring Ruth and Boaz together, which, later on, would lead to the line of David...and eventually to Jesus.
Abraham and Sarah: And let's not forget these two hoped for a child, but were unwilling to trust God early on (think Hagar and Ishmael). And yet, even at their old age, God made a way for Sarah to have a child of her own, a child who would enable the covenant to bless Abraham's offspring for generation after generation.
Peter: And we certainly can't forget Peter! Though he had great hopes and ideals for following and honoring Jesus, his failure to remain loyal to Jesus (denied his Lord three times) put him in grief and misery until Jesus found him at the edge of the lake (after Jesus' resurrection). Here, Jesus reinstated Peter and empowered him such that Peter became a phenomenal preacher, teacher and leader. Peter helped to start the Church, God's dream, and centuries later, God's dream is still being realized through Jesus' body, God's Church.
So, what does this mean for you and me, dear friend? Well, on a personal level, there've been many ideas and projects I've put on the shelf for one reason or another, mainly because I've made excuse after excuse or let fear get in the way of pursuing the very thing God knows will bless me and those I lead. Fear is strong--but God is stronger! This year, I don't want New Year's Resolutions, I want New Life's Resolutions! In other words, I want to see the passions and desires of Jesus within me find their fruition in my life. No longer do I want fear, worry or doubt to hold me back. This year, I'm committing to stepping out in faith and beginning these projects because it is still today--this means I can start! I can begin! I don't have to let the time I've wasted hold me back. I can say goodbye to the past and walk on with confidence that God has prepared a plan for me, to prosper me and not to bring me harm, to give me a future that honors and bless Him and all those I'm called to serve (Jer. 29:11-14!
Now, how about you? Are you wanting to offer your best to the Lord and discover all that Jesus has planned for you life and your ministry? Well, it's never too late to start accomplishing the dreams God's laid on your heart! In fact, make sure you consider the 'new normal' formula that I preached about on January 5th. Just as Jacob wrestled with the angel, you and I, too, must Evaluate what is keeping us from fulfilling our God-given potential, Engage God in prayer, study, and supportive, faith-filled relationships and Embrace the next step in your dream/journey/vision for your life. Remember, when you start, your participation in God's plan for your life positively affects the rest of the the body of Christ--with the spiritual gifts we've been given (we're studying spiritual gifts in Mathetes Bible study, join us!), God uses them to build up the Church and strengthen our unity through the cross of Christ (1 Cor. 12-14). As we sacrifice our time, talents and treasures, God enables us through his Holy Spirit to accomplish all that He's prepared for us in advance to do (Eph. 2:10).
There's no "Quitter's Day" when it comes to being one of God's children. You are beloved, you are anointed, and you are destined to carry out God's will for you, a will that taps into your greatest passions and gifts and brings joy to you and to the people around you. I've loved the following quote from the late Frederick Buechner--may it compel you to never give up, and start God's dream within you today: “The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.”
Lastly, but definitely not least, remember, all your plans succeed when you commit them to the Lord (Prov. 16:3). When your plans are rooted in the Person of Jesus, and your goal is to love him and others, then whatever you commit to him will bless you and the people you serve. So, it's never too late to live out God's dreams for you and for the body of Christ at UBC. Don't wait--don't put it off--don't let Satan tell you lies and steal your joy.
The time to live out your best self of Jesus is NOW. Don't delay--He's got great plans to bless you and others, not just in 2025, but in the years that follow.
And to that I say, "Amen, Lord Jesus, amen! Start with me, Lord, today!"
Desiring God's potential to be fulfilled in all of us at UBC,
><> Pastor Will <><
John 3:30
