In the New Year, many of us make new year resolutions.
I was listening to Pastor Penny Francis, and she mentioned the habits and choices we start at the beginning of the year set the foundation.
May the choices we make be founded solely on God’s guidance.
Over the past few weeks, I have been at a crossroads.
I have been tested on whether I would listen to God’s instructions or make my own choices.
God has graced us with free will, but primarily, the choices we make are in our own hands.
Jeremiah 10:23 tells us:
“I know, Lord, that our lives are not our own; we are not able to plan our own course. I know, God, that mere mortals can’t run their own lives, That men and women don’t have what it takes to take charge of life”.
God must have charge over our lives and plan our course.
Leaning on God and not on our understanding is essential (Proverbs 3:6).
We have the assurance in God’s word:
Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purposes.
As a teenager, when I first came to live with my Mother. I was very ‘stiff-necked’, another term for stubborn. My Mum dreamed of me as a little giraffe; as we know, giraffes are very stiff-necked.
It has taken me a while to listen, be more obedient, and completely surrender.
I thank God for maturing me over the years. What originally was one of my shortcomings is now something that I openly embrace.
Sometimes, we know best, but God’s plans are even better for us.
I saw a picture a while back on social media. I will see if I can include it. Your plan- is depicted as a small yet beautiful flower. Still, God’s plan- provided an enormous array of flowers (a whole bunch) with different colours that were more exquisite.
I know which one I would choose..
Do not limit what God can and will do in your life.
We often think we are going the right way, but not everything is what it seems.
Sometimes we can be misled.
It is essential to receive discernment and to hear the voice of God.
We can avoid the mistakes we make in life by listening and remaining obedient.
God does not reward disobedience; He wants hearts devoted to Him.
King Saul disobeyed God in front of the people and refused to admit his sin, which caused God to reject him and replace him with David.
Moses disobeyed God by trusting in his ability to provide water for the Israelites. As a result, God did not allow Moses to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land.
Adam was the first man to disobey God, which led to bringing sin into the world.
We thank God for Jesus.
The Saviour of Mankind remained in complete obedience to God and His assignment.
He did not falter in His purpose or what God called Him to do.
In Luke 22:42, He prays, “Not my will but yours be done”.
Although costly, His sacrifice was the ultimate sacrifice, saving the whole world and providing redemption from sin.
He remained submissive to God.
He understood His call.
He fulfilled His purpose on earth.
Committing to follow God’s leading is challenging because it requires faith and, ultimately, trust in God.
It is taking the control out of your own hands and giving it directly to God.
Sometimes, we can have tunnel vision and not see what is ahead in our decisions.
God is omniscient; He is all-knowing.
Psalm 139:16
“Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them,”.
God has it already planned out; we must trust and believe in His will.
Don’t forget to trust His timing; do not get impatient.
Often, we can ‘jump’ too quickly in making decisions when we need to wait on God, to hear whether it is from Him.
Receive clarity and confirmation FIRST!
Do not let the spur of the moment cause you to make regrettable choices.
As this can often be a foothold for satan to use.
In addition, I have learned that men can sometimes try to impose responsibilities on you, but you must be careful.
Is this from God?
Is it in His timing?
Is it what He has called you to be?
The Bible tells us, “He hath made everything beautiful in His time”(Ecclesiastes 3:11).
God’s will is perfect.
Follow His direction.
Trust in His leading.
God will not confuse.
Also, one should question whether the uneasiness about the situation is from God; is it causing additional pressure or strain?
Is it becoming a burden?
Is it taking you away from Him?
1 Corinthians 10:13 tells us “There hath no temptation taken hold of you but such as is common to man. But God is faithful; He will not suffer you to be tempted beyond that which ye are able to bear, but with the temptation will also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it”.
Sometimes, the enemy can put things in place to distract or deter us from God’s will.
Do not be easily manipulated.
As mentioned in the previous written word about the right relationships, God will provide the right people in your life to elevate you to your destiny.
Stand firm in your faith.
1 Corinthians 15:58 reminds us, “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast-fast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labour is not in vain”.
Sometimes, God’s will for your life can look different to others.
People can sometimes look in and express their opinions and views.
They can speak words of negativity.
However, do not be discouraged.
Philippians 1:6
“And I am sure that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ”.
He is already completing good work.
He has already gone ahead.
He is making a way in the wilderness (Isaiah 43:19).
Ask God to lead you
He will make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:6).
PRAYER
Father, in the Name of Jesus,
We give you thanks and praise for this day you have made,
Thank you for our lives,
Thank you for your faithfulness,
Thank you that you are omniscient,
Cleanse and forgive us again,
Help us to trust in your will,
May we surrender,
Let us wait for your plans,
Let us believe in your promises,
We know your plans for us, to prosper, not harm us, and give us hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11),
May we obedient to your will,
May we make decisions led by you,
Help us to make sacrifices you want us to make,
Remove any stubbornness,
Guide our choices,
May we not lean on our understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6),
Remove the distractions,
Silence the negativity,
Make our paths straight (Proverbs 3:6),
Provide the right individuals you intended,
Remove the saboteurs,
Let us continue to wait,
May we receive clarity and confirmation,
I declare we shall wait on you, you will renew our strength, we shall mount up with wings as eagles, we will run and not be weary, and we shall walk and not faint (Isaiah 40:31),
Determine where we walk,
Choose where we run,
Lead and direct us,
Let nothing come between the promises you have for us,
Propel towards our destiny,
Let our faith be unwavering,
We thank you for your provision,
We give you thanks, and we give you all the honour and praise,
In your precious Holy Name,
Amen.
Written by Jaeger V
29.01.25