New Year, New You?

With only a few days into the New Year many “resolutions” have been made.

And broken.

The stamina required for significant change looms far too large for many.

Athletes conquer their challenges with the help of a coach. Students achieve academic goals with help from parents and teachers.

But what about the rest of us?

We don’t have a coach or trainer to motivate us.

Or do we?

All the help and encouragement we need is readily accessible to us. We just have to ask for it.

And submit.

Our God is ever willing to help us become the best we can possibly be.

We often think we have to go it alone. But we don’t.

God is ever willing to provide the help we need.

When we ask Him.

Have you asked Him?

In our weakness God provides what we need to get us through. Those things that once tempted us can no longer hold us hostage.

What changes do you need to make?

Is your health in jeopardy? Need help with your finances? Relationships?

Progress isn’t always possible on our own. True and lasting “success” always comes through God.

The goals we strive for or our “resolutions” are probably changes the Holy Spirit has nudged us toward all along. With a fresh New Year we often dare to believe we can accomplish things that at other times seem daunting. If the New Year sparks positive change, go for it!

Eat too much? Drink too much? Too negative? Undisciplined?

The changes we are prompted to make prepare us for our purpose.

We will all change to some degree in this New Year. Whether the changes are for better or worse remains to be seen.

I challenge you not to obsess over resolutions or prior failures. Instead, take time and ask God what changes He wants you to make now.

I find my greatest regrets are not things I’ve done, but instead those things I didn’t have faith enough to try.

Do you really want the best life God has for you?

Enough to sacrifice? Dismiss your detractors? Go it alone without family or friends?

It’s all up to you. And Him.

How desperate are you for it? 

“Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed [is] willing, but the flesh [is] weak.” Matthew 26:41 NKJV

“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”
James 4:7 NKJV

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith,” 2 Timothy 4:7 NKJV

“If you are willing and obedient, You shall eat the good of the land;”
Isaiah 1:19 NKJV

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2 Corinthians 13:4 NKJV

By Lilka Finley Raphael

Author, Editor, Gardner, Photographer, Pharmacist

9 comments

  1. Ahh…in His grace we have all we need. A beautiful and great message for the New Year, God bless you my friend. We are in this together, and with the Lord’s help, well, Amen and Amen 🙂

    Like

  2. Very timely, Lilka! Our church is actually doing a series about making God our priority. Knowing Him, serving Him, and seeking Him. In 1 Chronicles 28:9 tells us if we do these things, “He will let (us) find Him”. That’s where Jesus picks it up and teaches us that if with turn our attention to God and what He is doing, all the things we need will be added to us (Matthew 6:33). Oowee … You have gotten me excited today! Thanks for sharing!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks for checking it out and taking time to comment. We often all strive for “something” but anything of value is coming through Him. Other “things” only offer temporary delight that quickly fades. B Blessed today 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Lilka – and that is why I love your posts! This comment has just made my day so much better! Thank you – and Debbie – for such a glorious highlight!! 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

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