by Angela May
How are you going with your New Year resolutions? Have you set any? After living through 2020, where all my plans and good intentions came to naught, I have been a bit nervous about committing to anything much at all this year. I made a start though; perhaps not a particularly zealous start but a cautious and prayerful one. I prayerfully asked God to highlight what He is asking me to focus on in 2021. I would let you know in a year’s time if I heard Him correctly.
If last year taught me anything at all, it was that control is an illusion. Many things I have taken for granted, including the freedom to travel anywhere I want, has been thwarted by an international pandemic. The loss of loved ones, including the near death of a close friend has reminded me that our very life is not guaranteed beyond each breath we take. James tells us in 4:14-16 that making plans without acknowledging ‘if the Lord wills’, is actually arrogance and boastfulness.
Doing nothing and saying nothing is not an option either. God does not call us to be passive or fearful in our plans for the new year. Jesus’ message is clear in the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25: 14-30) that whatever the Master entrusts us with, we are to invest according to our abilities. We are to be faithful with what he has given us in the service of His kingdom, until Jesus’ return. In fact, being cautious and playing it safe is considered wicked and lazy.
I have found this freeing but also challenging. The freeing bit is that I do not have to dream up what I want in 2021. As a follower of Jesus, I need only be faithful in developing what I have been graciously gifted with in the first place; including my very breath. Paul in 1 Corinthians 6: 20 reminds us we are not our own: we are bought with the price of Jesus’ life. We are to use our bodies to bring glory to God - and not ourselves. The challenging bit is doing this when the times are unpredictable and playing it safe or hiding feels the best option. We only have the now to work with and it is not an option to wait until the dust settles. Stepping out in what feels unknown is not that much different to the disciples, who also lived through unpredictable and challenging times. Making plans for 2021 might very well be an act of faith, but by prayerfully planning with the Lord, and by His grace, we may look back in a year’s time and say, ‘this was the Lord’s will.’
Jesus is returning. We do not know the day or the hour. I am determined not to be caught napping nor playing it safe. With confidence, I know I can be strong and courageous, without fear, as the LORD God is the one who goes with me. (Deuteronomy 31:6)
I would love to hear what you believe the Lord is asking of you in 2021? What has He asked you to faithfully invest this year? Instead of resolutions, what do you resolve and commit to the Lord this year? May you too know His strength and courage and step out in the knowledge that He is the one who goes with you.
Angela loves to apply the Word of God to everyday life. She identifies with the challenge women face today as they strive to balance the demands of family, work and ministry. She is passionate about women's emotional and spiritual health and how they can find that in Jesus. Angela is also a qualified teacher, is Bible College trained and an experienced speaker and presenter.
If you’d like to receive the monthly QBW Prayer Network email, click here.
Click here to join the Qld Baptist Women in Leadership Facebook Page. Don’t forget to answer the questions to get in the door.
Click here to follow our QBW/Anew Conference Facebook Page.
Click here to follow us on Instagram.
Don’t forget to follow our Blog!
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel