In the New Year, there is much emphasis on making resolutions and making strides toward a “new you”. There is certainly nothing wrong with these goals either; striving to be more diligent, more consistent, healthier, wiser with money, more prayerful— these are awesome goals! No one would reach their goals if they did not first define them, and the new year is a fresh time to do so.
As we all have discovered through personal trial and error, these goals often change shape as the year goes on. Some goals are met, while others seem to fall by the wayside. Sometimes it’s due to the goal being unrealistic; sometimes it’s due to circumstances completely outside our control. We measure, we “count the cost” and we plan, but it is true that life often produces unseen changes that alter our course. Sometimes, the mark is missed because we try to change behaviors without changing on the inside. If I truly want to get in killer shape, but I don’t address my struggle with controlling food, I’m going to be fighting an uphill battle at my gym resolution. Similarly, if I make the lofty goal to pray two hours per day, but I don’t address the fact that I’m a procrastinator and I fill my schedule to the point where there’s little time left, I’m going to be making things that much harder.
Who we are at our core - our deep desires and innermost selves - impacts what we do. Sadly, many times our goals and visions are so focused on what we are doing, that who we are remains untouched and neglected. Eventually, this neglect will impact our ability to do.
When God created you, He created you with innate purpose.
"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. 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." Psalm 139:13-16 ESV
He knit you together with your life and end in mind. When we fail to recognize this purpose, we often strive to make up for it by filling our schedules and plans with things to make us feel successful and accomplished. We strive for positions, we look for boxes to check off, and we feel restless until someone recognizes our talent.
Jesus says in John 15:5, “I am the vine, ye are the branches. He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit.”
We can strive all we want to, but until we learn to spend time on our purpose, our inner woman, we will feel like hamsters in a wheel. In 2025, we must learn to abide in Him. To pursue our God-given purpose over merely our roles. We must learn to hear from Him. What is He saying about you? What dream did He place in your heart that you have been too fearful to pursue? With God ordering your steps, you will find far more satisfaction than if you constantly run yourself ragged seeking fulfillment in roles and positions. Scripture says that a man's giftings make room for Him. You don’t have to vie for a promotion or recognition when you fulfill your purpose. Your soul will feel fed and fulfilled knowing that God is pleased and you are accomplishing His will for your life.
It’s a beautiful thing to watch a woman of God chase after Him and not merely worldly success. Abiding in the Lord will change who you are, and who you are will affect what you do. This year as you make your goal list, how can you shape them so that they orient you toward your God-given purpose? How can you grow in the Lord this year? Seek Him, and the rest will follow.
