As I write this post just two days before New Year's Day, I am sure that many of you have goals for the New Year. Of course, there is no requirement for us to do so, but a New Year offers the opportunity for us to make some assessments about our goals in life so we can see how well we are doing in reaching them. That's because we can look at how the past year has gone, and then decide whether or not we need to make some course corrections prior to going into the New Year.
Let me share with you three points taken from a couple of verses in the Bible that I believe can provide you a plan for success in 2013: "Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith...." (Hebrews 12:1-2).
As you can see, the writer likens our journey to running a race. This is a good analogy because just as a runner cannot run an effective race while carrying unnecessary baggage, neither can we do so in life. These unnecessary loads might include excessive time looking at TV or talking on the phone, too much time on social networks, etc. I think you get my drift. Remember, if you do the same thing next year that you did last year, you will get essentially the same results for next year.Secondly, the verses say we must run with patience. For instance, a runner has to know how to pace himself in order to go the distance. Similarly, let us learn to be patient as we press toward our goals for 2013. Things won't always go the way we plan them to. Personally, some of my setbacks in life have turned out to ultimately become my greatest advances forward.
Thirdly, we are advised to look to Jesus while on our journey. That's because as Christians, we are on a faith journey. Jesus is our example. He has gone before us and has modeled what it means to press one's way to reach a goal no matter how difficult the challenge may be. Of course, Jesus' goal was to endure the cross to redeem humanity. The point is that worthy goals are not reached with ease. Our adversary the devil will make sure of that. But be encouraged; we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13).
Copyright © 2012 by Frank King. All rights reserved.
