Resolutions

As my extended family and I gathered before the clock struck twelve on New Year's Eve, we all shared one good thing that happened to us in 2013, and one "resolution" we had for the new year.

While we all had many things that we would like to see happen in 2014, we all focused on just one thing that we were going to share with everyone. Some of those resolutions were: losing weight, being more dedicated in their job, doing well in school, getting "abs", learning to read (this was said by a kindergartner), eating healthier, taking more naps (Ha!) and buying a house, just to name a few.

When it was my turn to share, I said that I while I have been doing better at it, I wanted to be sure that I had a more consistent relationship with the Lord.

This does not mean that I don't have other things that I would like to see happen this year, because I certainly do! However, I have come to realize that this is one very important area that, in the past, has often been neglected.

Just like all of you, the past couple of years have been filled with many blessings, but also many soul-crushing situations. As a family, we have faced challenging medical conditions, betrayal by friends and family (who we thought were one way, but in reality, were quite another), heartbreaking situations with those we love that we can do nothing about, death of loved ones, and major, life changing decisions that had to be made.

There were times in this past year, when my soul was so burdened and distraught that I truly felt like I was all alone. During this time, I learned to cling to God in a way I'm not sure I have ever before. He showed me that though this world I live in is filled with things beyond my control. HE would always be with me. I learned to stand on his promises, and pray for those I love. I am not able to change a person's heart....but GOD can!

I have always loved the hymn, "In Christ Alone", but this year, it has new meaning to me. It truly is in Christ ALONE that my hope is found. He is the only one who promises to never leave me, nor forsake me.

In Matthew 16:26, it says, "What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?"

If you put that towards common resolutions people (including myself) make, it would go something like this:

"What good will it be for someone to lose weight, yet forfeit their soul?"

"What good will it be for someone to eat healthier and exercise more, yet forfeit their soul?"

"What good will it be for someone to do well in school, yet forfeit their soul?

"What good will it be for someone to be more dedicated to their job, yet forfeit their soul?"


Now, YOU fill in the blank with one of YOUR resolutions:


"What good will it be for ME to                                 , yet forfeit MY soul?"


Makes it more personal, doesn't it?


If you don't know Christ, nothing you can do this year will matter in the end.


There is NOTHING more important than having a personal relationship with Jesus.


Nothing...