You may need help with your New Year resolutions!

“I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything

and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me;

I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency].” Philippians 4:13 Amplified Bible 

Not everyone makes New Year resolutions, but those who do often make one of several mistakes. Their determinations are either too easy: “I’m going to read one verse from the Bible every week this year” or “I’m going to get in shape this year by placing the remote just out of reach so I have to stretch for it every time I use it.”

Or their goals are totally unrealistic: “I’m going to learn to play the flute by Easter” or “I’m going to write and publish my first novel this month.” At least their resolutions don’t stay around long enough to frustrate them!

Many begin the process of attempting to align their desires with their futures by self-prophesying confessions like: “I wish I could “… or “I yusta could” … or “I doubt I could.”

The issue here isn’t mind over matter. It has to do with a strong desire for improvement in your life. There’s something that isn’t right and needs fixing. Something weak that needs strengthening.

You begin with the knowledge that God has a plan for your life and you can discern changes in your life that will work along with the plan and not derail it.

But more than this is needed to see resolutions become realities. You need the help of someone who brings more to the equation than you possess – someone who can infuse you with the strength to make it happen.

As you contemplate a remake of your physical condition, or the restoration of a failed relationship, or a total reversal of your dismal financial decisions you need total confidence in the Apostle Paul’s closest confidant.

His faith-filled projections for the future? “I have strength for all things … I am ready for anything … I am equal to anything … I am self-sufficient.” But Paul’s bold words were also phrases of humility because it was Christ’s strength behind his. It was Christ’s infused strength that made him ready and equal to any goal he reached for. And his stated self-sufficiency was only due to the all sufficiency of Christ.

This week, carefully consider the changes that you seriously want to see occur in your life. Then work diligently, but alongside One who gives you the best opportunity to develop your gifts, goals and dreams.