Goals/Resolutions/Plans/Intentions

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Goals? Resolutions? Intentions? Word?

What is it for you? Do you make plans for the new year? Do you keep them?

Is it a nutrition plan? Exercise goals? Financial plans? A move? A new job? A wedding? A baby? Read the Bible from front to back? Be more intentional in praying? Join a Bible study? Start a Bible study?

What will you do to keep your goals/resolutions/plans/intentions?

Maybe you have chosen a “word” for the new year. What is it? Why did you choose this word?

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, Hebrews 12:1 NASB

Several years ago, I participated in a half-marathon. The course began at the base of the John Gorrie Bridge in Battery Park in Apalachicola, Florida. It covered the span of the bridge, into Eastpoint, Florida, turning right onto South Bay Shore Drive, then taking a left onto Island Drive and another left back onto Highway 98. That bridge feels flat when you are riding in a car until you reach the section spanning the Apalachicola River. It isn’t flat. And that bridge is steep and rude to legs that had covered over 12 miles already. My hamstrings were screaming at me.

I finished. Not with a great pace but I stayed upright and kept moving. It was more of a jog/walk race. The final stretch was met with family holding signs, cheering me on. My youngest son and two nieces crossed the finish line with me. Another niece and my sister-in-law stood with my husband yelling, giving me incentive to finish. I can’t say I finished strong, but I can say I finished. I persevered and crossed the finish line to receive the coveted participation medal.

It was hard and it took months of preparation. Would I do it again? I don’t know. When asked immediately following the race, I am pretty sure I said “NO!” But now, I wouldn’t be so definitive.

We all enter races. They may not look like that one from years ago, but we all face the challenge of finishing something. Maybe we quit part of the way through. Maybe we push through and lean hard on God to keep us upright, moving forward.

Is this year a race you are glad is behind you? Uncertain as to what next year will bring? We make plans but without God they are just unexecuted dreams. Without consulting Him when making plans, we are setting ourselves up for disappointment and struggle.

I have plans for next year. Determined to see them through. Resolved to make them happen. I have spent time praying over these plans. Praying for the outcome. The plans I have made come from a deep place God prepared for me. The longing of my heart draws me into His presence to seek direction.

Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. Colossians 3:23-24 NASB

Leaving the year with a big exhale. Inhaling in preparation for next year. Breathe in. Breathe out. On your mark. Get set. GO!

Maintain a comfortable, steady pace. God isn’t in a hurry and you shouldn’t be either.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6 NASB

Keep breathing. Keep your eyes on the horizon. Keep moving.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 NASB

Focus on the goodness of God.

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. Philippians 4:8 NASB

Make your plans with Him.

fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2 NASB

He already has the victory. He won the race for us. Fix your eyes on Him.

Will you share in the comments how God has used this past year to draw you closer to Him?

Take a minute to share your contact information with me so that I can keep you updated on what I am doing. I would love to have you join me on this journey of sharing the love of God.