Dec 23, 2013

expectantly: a new kind of resolution for 2014


I'm consistently learning that life is full of disappointment.

While this past year has been full of new experiences and a lifetime of memories, it's also held some of my greatest sorrows and toughest decisions. People have disappointed me, I've disappointed myself and made plenty of mistakes I wish I could go back and fix.

But that's the refreshing thing about new years: it's new… a fresh start. It's the perfect time to renew all those goals I never quite reached last year because this one is free of mistakes and let-downs. With the idea that a new year is a "clean slate," I'm more motivated, resolved to make this one better.

The truth is, though, I can never any kind of lasting success in my own strength. I can set all kinds of good and noble resolutions for myself; but when the newness of the year wears off and after the first few mistakes and disappointments, I'll give up by the time March rolls around. 

When I focus all those New Year's around me and my goals and what I need to improve, I'm bound to fail. 

As long as I make resolutions in my own strength, I'll always disappoint myself.

While there's sure to be disappointing situations and moments in 2014, one thing I know to be true is that my God never disappoints.

Unlike imperfect human beings who constantly fail and fall short, God never falls short; in fact, he consistently exceeds any expectations we could ever have for him!

In the midst of my failings and disappointments, Ephesians 3:20-21 is full of hope and anticipation: "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or thinkaccording to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."

God is faithful, he does not fail. We should never put limitations on what God can do. God desires to magnify himself and glorify his name, and he will always succeed in what he does.

Although we may not always know God's purpose or intentions, we can always expect that they are greater than we could ever ask for or imagine!

This new year, 2014, you and I both have goals, expectations for what this year holds and what it will be like. While there are sure to be joys and successes, there are certain to be disappointments as well. However, no matter the circumstances, no matter the situation, let's make this a year where we expect great things of God.

This year, I resolve to expect great things of God.

Let's not put limits on what he can do in our lives and in the lives around us. God doesn't always move like we expect him to, but he certainly never disappoints. Don't you think he would delight in doing far more abundantly than anything we could ask or think this year?!

 A new season, a new year, and a faithful God.

Lord, we wait expectantly.

1 comment:

  1. I all too often underestimate Him and make my expectations small.

    Silly, silly me.

    ReplyDelete

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