Staying the Course
It’s a new year.
And often with a new year comes new goals, hopes and aspirations. Some of us set resolutions - but I am more inclined to set intentions. How do I want to show up this year? Or more importantly, how is God asking me to show up this year?
I have seen a lot of people sharing their words for the year - their anchor that will keep them focused on their intention. I think this can be so powerful in bringing us back to God’s will, as we search His heart for our word.
I am seeing people share words like STRONG, REFINE, COURAGE, JOY - great, powerful words. And I can see why people are excited. The outcome of these words definitely bring us closer to being like Jesus.
What I am not seeing a lot of is people understanding the PROCESS to get to the OUTCOME.
God does not want you to be blind to this. We see over and over in scripture that the sanctification process - while producing more fruit of the Spirit - requires an element of pain. Of pruning. God loves us as we are, but loves us TOO much to leave us there unchanged. (Luke 14:27)
Without this honest perspective, we will be tempted to get discouraged, disappointed or even doubtful of God’s goodness. And that is fertile ground for the enemy to wreak havoc in our lives and get us off our divine path.
Becoming strong requires HARD work.
Becoming refined requires walking through FIRE.
Growing in courage means facing FEARS.
Learning to abound in joy means facing TRIALS.
But there’s good news in all of this! Because that’s what the gospel is after all, good news.
The hard thing we are going to face this year - God is already there waiting to meet us.
He has promised in His Word to never leave or forsake us. He has told us He is the God of turning graves into gardens, mourning into dancing and beauty from ashes. (Deut. 31:6, Isaiah 61) He is a God that provides and a God that comforts. (Phil. 4:19)
So what will be required of us to walk through the process of becoming more like Jesus this year?
Trusting God is a given. We need to rest in the Sovereignty of His rule.
But to overcome the battle in our mind - the lies that we will face in our thoughts during the process of becoming - requires us to press deeply into renewing our minds. Daily. (Romans 12:2)
Taking thoughts captive and putting them to the obedience of Christ is not just “nice to do” that Paul offers us - it’s imperative in the Christian walk. (Corinthians 10:5)
That means we need to identify our thoughts, measure them against the word of God and replace every lie with the truth of God’s Word.
That means putting on our helmet of salvation, lifting our shield of faith and wielding our sword of the spirit. Make no mistake - there is battle in the days ahead. (Ephesians 6:10-18)
But again - with that, good news.
Because we know that our victory is in Christ. That the final battle was already won on Calvary, and we are running towards its final completion when Jesus comes again. (John 16:33)
As you walk through 2024 - stay the course. Stand firm in what God has called you to do even in valley seasons where it looks like you are toiling for nothing. Your obedience will bring the ultimate reward. And God is with you every step of the way. (Colossians 3:23-24)
