It’s the time of year when we talk about a new year and a new us. Resolutions, goals, and challenges are all staring at us. I don’t want to degrade myself, but my track record isn’t the best at following through on my goals. I believe this year I have completed two of the five goals. Discipline and accountability are certainly part of the issue, but I have identified other problems as well. In past years, I was only asking myself what my goals for the new year should be.
What would it look like to ask GOD what HE wants to accomplish in me and through me this year?
Given that HE is the one who empowers me and one of the fruits of the HOLY SPIRIT is self-control, shouldn’t I be asking Him what work He wants to do in me this next year? Instead of sitting down and setting goals or making resolutions that look the same as they have in years past, consider quietly sitting before God and asking Him, in what ways do you want to make me look more like your Son this year?
The first question I want you to ask Him is what He wants to change in you. Is there a sin that should be fought against?
Is there a freedom that you need to walk in? Is there an attitude that needs changing? Is there an incorrect understanding of God or His word that needs to be corrected? What work would God like to accomplish in you?
The second question I want you to ask God is what work does He want to accomplish through you?
What place does He want you to serve? What people will He place in your life to fellowship with? What new eyes or heart will He give you to burden you for His purposes and glory? Who does He want you to share your faith with at work, school, neighborhood, etc.? Who will come to faith in Jesus because of your testimony of God’s goodness in 2026?
Will you join me in jumping outside of my own mind and asking God what He wants to accomplish in you and through you in the coming year? It is exciting to think about how a lost world can be found for Jesus through the strong support of a good God and the leading of the Holy Spirit. Leaning on Him and letting Him inform our lives is freeing and takes the pressure off failed goals and resolutions, and places our time, energy, and talents before Him, and asks Him what He wants to accomplish.
-Pastor Paul