By: Donna Bucher
Nearing
the end of January fills me with anticipation for the year ahead. Avoiding the
rush of hasty resolutions or non-specific goals, I prayerfully ease into a new
year.
The reason most resolutions and goals fail before
completion often rests in an unclear “why” or
motivation. We all want to
change, most of us have the ability for change, but few possess a clear reason
for the change.
But encountering temptations, obstacles, and
discouragement threatens a successful outcome.
Unless your
motivation is bigger than yourself.
Creating a bigger resolve rooted in a “why” sourced in fulfilling God’s
calling for your life guarantees success in the New Year.
Fulfilling my
desire for a purpose-filled, intentional year focused on Kingdom impact rests
in showcasing the worth of God’s calling on my life.
Not my personal call for ministry or writing; but the same calling covering
every Christian.
To this end we always pray for you, that our God
may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good
and every work of faith by his power,
Embracing
God’s enduring Hope, a refined purpose and intentional impact reflect my call
as a Christian.
But living
worthy of my calling involves evidence others see of God’s supernatural power
in my life.
Which
is more often reflected in habits, behavior and priorities marked by a heavenly
mindset.
The
Apostle Paul reminded the Thessalonians, the worthiness of their calling in
Christ spoke not of any merit earned, but of God’s powerful work. Walking,
however, in a manner worthy of their calling meant honoring the calling received by
grace through Christ’s merits.
Seeking
success in the new year pivots on honoring God with my desires for change,
growth, and impact for His Kingdom.
Possessing
a “why” as big as honoring God’s calling in Christ
ensures perseverance in the face of adversity.
Walking in
godliness, honoring my calling from God, exalts Christ, showing forth the
magnificence of grace. Which ultimately points others to Christ.
so that the
name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according
to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Strengthened
with Hope, armed with a well-defined purpose, and fueled with solid intentions,
what does walking out the “why” of honoring my calling in Christ look like?
Seek growth
both inwardly and outwardly. Honoring Christ through
my calling means seeking growth spiritually and relationally. (2 Thessalonians 1:3)
What area of my spiritual walk
needs maturity?
How can I increase my love for
others by nurturing my relationships?
How can I seek abundant growth
which will honor God?
Seek
faithfulness in the valley. Affliction will come. Receiving it from God’s
good hand with steadfastness allows me to see more of God’s strength and power
in my life, igniting growth. Faithfulness in suffering also displays God’s
greatness and beauty to others. (2 Thessalonians 1:4)
How would focusing on increased
intimacy with God and spiritual growth affect my perspective on suffering or
setbacks?
How can I reframe interrupted
goals, plans and disappointments to better receive suffering?
How can I learn to view
suffering and disruption as a gentle friend instead of the enemy to my agenda?
Seek the
source for success. Apart from God, my goals, purpose, and intentions
remain misplaced. Only God makes me worthy of His calling in Christ and only
God fulfills my goals, purpose and intentions by His good hand. (2 Thessalonians 1:11)
How can I stay focused on God’s
agenda for success and not my own?
How can I strengthen my faith,
enabling me to move ahead in His power?
Continued
and unceasing prayer sustains progress, focus, and growth as you pursue your
God given assignments for the year ahead.
Honoring
your calling in Christ as well as commitment to God’s ultimate will and purpose
provide a “why”
Here's to a Happy New Year in the Lord!
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Thank you so much, Donna, for this thoughtful article. It has encouraged me because normally I don't have a particular word or phrase for the year, but this year, He gave me "quiet confidence". I've seen Him working it in my life already and now I'm looking forward to where it will lead me through the year as I honor my calling in Christ.
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