Resolutions and Resolve
By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God."Romans 5:2
New Year's Eve had been a fun time with just our family, hanging out, snacking, playing games, and watching a family movie. My youngest enjoyed watching the clock until it chimed midnight.
The next afternoon one of my teenagers offered me the last piece of chocolate.
"No, thank you," I jokingly, yet seriously, answered, "It's one of my New Year's Resolutions." His rebound inspired me and was a reminder of the work that God was doing in my own life.
"I'm not making resolutions any more," he said, "I'm just going to change." Then he, too, resisted the chocolate temptation and placed it down on the counter. His attitude had not been one of disrespect, but, rather, just a statement of a decision he had made in his own life – and it spoke to my heart.
New Year's Resolutions and I have never been successful. But with all good intentions, I still make them. Within a short amount of time, however, I break them, forsake them, and then get discouraged.
Yet, I still find myself intrigued each year with the date of January 1st. As I throw out my old calendar and purchase a new one, I don't just view it as another year gone by, but as an opportunity for renewed hope and vision.
As my son so rightfully expressed it, "No more New Year's Resolutions for me!" Instead, I am choosing to grow more in the knowledge of God's Grace.
Resolutions are made with a human mind-set, and accomplished in self-effort. That is why I always fail. In seeking to change or improve in the flesh, I am attempting a work in my own, limited power.
When I trusted Christ as My Savior, I was justified by faith (Romans 5:1), and by faith I also now have access into His grace (Romans 5:2). When I accepted God's Gift of Grace, I allowed His power to work in my life (Ephesians 3:8). His strength is then made perfect in my weakness (II Cor. 12:9).
Every January 1st my purpose and hope is to be a better Christian, wife, and mother than I was the year before. God gave me the Precious Gift of His Son. How can I do less but my best for Him? I want my joy and satisfaction to come from doing God's Will. I strive for a heart of gratitude for His gift of a husband, with whom to be a helpmate, and children, to homeschool and raise for His Glory.
No more New Year's Resolutions for me. As a visiting "preacher boy" to our church so recently challenged:
"Look forward to the New Year with a life full of gratitude and an attitude to live by grace!"
Prayer: Thank you for Your Gift of Grace, Lord, and for another year to live for You. Help me to always have a heart of gratitude for your many blessings, and to live my life for Your Glory.
