How many people have ever made New Year's resolutions, hopefully sometime around New Year's Day? Okay, I see plenty of hands out there. How many of you have kept most, or even any of them? Just like I figured, there aren't too many hands still up for that question.
Mine isn't either. Why not?
There are a lot of reasons people can have for coming up short on their resolutions, some of them compelling, some of them just a load of crap. However, I think I finally figured out the key to developing successful resolutions.
Instead of trying to establish what you want to accomplish in the new year, take a different
approach. Ask God what HE wants to you do.
You can't send Him an e-mail or a registered letter, you have to pray. Not just a perfunctory
prayer either, one where you are in a spirit of submission, preferably on your knees, not just asking but truly seeking God's plan for your life.
That's what Pastor Brenda and I spent most of last weekend doing, and he is gradually revealing answers to us. God is leading us toward a major initiative where we reach out to unchurched GLBT people in the Washington, DC metro area. I also believe he is leading me toward some type of leadership role in bring GLBT and straight Christians together in service, side-by-side, to help the community and bear witness that we CAN work together to serve God, and He will bless that effort.
We've got a lot of balls up in the air, and it is the peace of knowing God's plan for us is better than one we can come up with on our own that is keeping us focused, grounded, and somewhat sane. Along with a major ministry push, Pastor Brenda is trying to lock down her job situation (which seems very promising at this point) and we are looking for another home. Given the state of the real estate market, I'm sure it comes as no surprise that this has been somewhat of an adventure.
There's a lot going on in our household, including the recent change of having two dear friends as housemates, but we are seeking and finding God's will throughout all the busyness.
I hope, if you haven't already, that you take some time and seek God's plan for your life. It may not be what you expected--I can directly testify to that--but it will be good.
Have a happy and blessed 2008 everyone!
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As important as that is - genuinely seeking God's will for one's life - today, with religion so politicized, people often seem to simply identify God's will and plan with their own will and plans.
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