Will you resolve?

We're 10 days into the new year...how are you doing with your resolutions? Are you still exercising daily? Have you stopped reacting wrongly? Are you right back to where you were when 2016 ended? 

Regardless if you made resolutions or not, can I encourage you to think about them a bit more? 

In a recent post, I looked at this word from a Biblical perspective. This is more than a desire for change in behavior or for a better new year. Biblically, to resolve means to set your mind, purpose in your heart, to be determined and steadfast. 

So let's think about a new question, in what ways are you resolved? Have you resolved to follow your dreams? Are you resolved to get your own way? 

I don't know your answers, but I've been convicted of what's in my heart. Friend, whether we make yearly resolutions or not, we have them. And unless we spend time in the Word and prayer, our resolutions are often selfish. We are sinful human beings who tend to naturally focus on our self, but it doesn't have to be this way. 

God, our Father and Creator, has designed us with a purpose and in His image. He has a great call and plan for each of us. If we want to be who He created us to be and do the great works He planned long ago, we must resolve. 

The math teacher in me sees this word a bit differently than most probably do - I not only see resolve, but also re-solve. When a student re-solves a problem they find a different answer and as believers we need to do the same. Changing our resolutions will help us re-solve some of our problems. So friend will join me?

Let's resolve to -  

Surrender

Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me." Luke 9:23

Friend, surrender isn't easy, but it's so important. Daily let's resolve to surrender to the One who is victorious and has great plans for us. May we give up our desires and wants, lets sacrifice our selfishness and live for the One who died for us. 

Seek 

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33

What are you looking for? Who are you looking to? Will you resolve to seek God for direction? Are you willing to seek Him before turning to your spouse, friend, Facebook or food? It's easy to say yes now, but pray about this and set your mind towards seeking Him first and most because temptation will come. If you resolve to seek now, God will be faithful to equip you to do it later. 

Stand 

Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Ephesians 6:11

As a believer, it's easy to say we stand for Truth and are willing to take a stand for Christ, but what happens when life unfolds? I'm not even talking about doing this in public; first think about what happens when Satan attacks? Friends, our mind is a battlefield and Satan loves to feed us lies. What do you do when he does? Do you listen and let them lead you to doubt or anxious thinking? If so, stop for a minute and resolve to stand!!

Serve

And the people said to Joshua, “We will serve the Lord our God and obey him.” Joshua 24:24

Serving Christ...the desire of a believer's heart, right? We long to follow Jesus' example - He's the One who came to serve and we know we are called to do the same. Have you decided to serve the Lord? Me too. But lately I've been convicted to resolve to serve the Lord when nobody is watching, when thank-you's are not spoken and when it's a job I don't want to do. Will you resolve to do the same? 

Friend, these resolutions are not easy, but they are so important. Thinking about them, praying about them and trying to do them make a difference. They can change our perspective, our attitude and approach. When we resolve to surrender, seek, stand and serve God will continue to be faithful. He will equip us to do what we can't do on our own. And in the moments when we don't want to do what we've earlier resolved to do, His Holy Spirit will remind us of Truth and encourage us to see things from God's perspective. 

These resolutions don't have to be big and grand, actually they shouldn't be. We should resolve to do this in the day to day stuff of life - that's where it matters most! So let me finish with one last question - What resolution will you make today?

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for your Word, a Word that speaks Truth and transforms my thinking. A Word that gives insight and direction, encouragement and equipping. Sanctify me with your Truth Lord. Help me resolve to surrender, seek, stand and serve. As I make these decisions, prepare me for the moments when I will want to do just the opposite. May I expect Satan's attack and be equipped to handle it. Lord, I resolve to follow you, trust you and obey you. In Jesus' Name, Amen