So here, we go again. Another year is upon us and practically everyone is either actively avoiding or intentionally creating their New Year’s resolutions. Which one describes you? Are you for or against making resolutions? As I mentioned in my last blog, only 8% of resolutions are actually completed. For this week’s blog, I want to challenge you and your family to think differently in 2016, to take The New Year Challenge.
The New Year can be intimidating, with big hopes and dreams looming ahead of us. If you are not naturally a goal setting type, the thought of making and keeping goals is a big obstacle to overcome. You may fear what others may say about you or what you may think ofyourself by not completing them.
Here are a few important questions to think through as you begin a new year:
- How have you lived your life until now?
- Have you lived safely and in a structured way?
- Do you just do what you are “supposed” to do?
If your busy routine continues day in and day out and you find that you are trading self-fulfillment for “security” and ignoring that persistent voice inside of you that refuses to go away,you may very well be missing out on something big that God has in store for you. That voice is His Holy Spirit eager and ready to guide and direct you out of your comfortable and safe space to begin a new life where the impossible becomes possible.
When was the last time you listened to that “aha” moment or small voice inside of you to catch a glimpse of the possibilities available to you? Can you recall times when God used a specific moment to help you realize the plans He has for you?
I encourage you at the beginning of 2016 to take The New Year Challenge. Dare to listen to the Holy Spirit and to respond when you feel that nudge to change, to move, to accept something new. In our culture today, it can be easy to fall prey to accept that you are a victim of your own circumstances. Do not let that happen to you. For you, for your family, your spouse—for everyone you love—dare to be who God designed you to be.
You are not alone, I am right there with you. I am stepping up to take The New Year Challenge myself. I am stepping out to live the fullness of God’s calling for my life. Certainly, this is far more important than any specific resolution or goal. What’s more, as you align your actions to His desire for your life, the question of which thing to do next begins to fade. Instead, you act. You live. You experience more of Him. And by doing this, you will most certainly experience your best year yet.
God Bless you in this New Year,
Doug Hedrick