Brothers and sisters, I know that I have not yet reached that goal, but there is one thing I always do. Forgetting the past and straining toward what is ahead, I keep trying to reach the goal and get the prize for which God called me through Christ to the life above. Philippians 3:13-14 (NCV)
As each year passes, I keep thinking that I’m going to finally get this right. What good is aging if you keep repeating the same mistakes? And if we try and do it by ourselves, it will be the definition of insanity, “Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” So how do I change the outcome?
First, I can’t change the outcome. Only God can. Reaching out to Him each day for guidance and direction rather than running ahead on my own agenda will result in firm footing and will keep me in my lane.
Second, I can’t CHANGE the outcome. Because I believe in the sovereignty of God, He is the one that knows where I’m going and has put together the plan for me. I may or may not like it and I can think of a few things in my life that I would like to change. But, for whatever reason, the hard things remain and in the end, He changes me.
Third, I can’t change the OUTCOME. I may think I know where I’m headed but as the verses for today mention, I’m leaving last year and pressing forward into 2020. Thankfully, I didn’t know all the twists and turns of 2019, but God gives grace and new mercies every day to follow His map and reach His destination. This is all very good news because the burden for making it through this year is not on my shoulders.
Come to me, all of you who are tired and have heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Accept my teachings and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit, and you will find rest for your lives. The burden that I ask you to accept is easy; the load I give you to carry is light. Matthew 11:28-30 (NCV)
So, if you’ve already failed at your New Year’s resolutions, the calendar is too full, the wallet near empty, take heart.
Pressing On.
When you can’t see the finish line,
It’s hard to know how much farther you have to go.
When you aren’t sure of the footing,
It’s difficult to tell if you’re on the right path.
One step at a time, and believe.
One foot in front of another, and trust.
Slowly and carefully make your way
Knowing that you are lovingly being led.
When you can’t accurately judge the depth
It’s hard to know if you’re going in too deep.
When you can’t see how steep the drop-off will be
It’s easy to unwittingly stand precariously.
One day at a time, and have faith.
One obstacle after another, and endure.
Steadily and confidently press on toward the goal
Knowing that someone waits for you at the end.
Author unknown
Do you see Jesus? He’s waving the flag for you at the finish line.