Hopeful Change…

Why does the world get so excited about ushering in a New Year?

I feel it’s because we have hope for a change. A change of what? Only you can answer that, but with the date quickly approaching of this monumental change, we all get caught up in the spirit of it as well.

Hopeful change is where New Year Resolutions became part of the celebration and somewhat of a tradition. This year I’m going to do; this year, I’m going to quit; this year, I’m going to begin; this year!!!

Our intentions are good; some resolutions are achieved but more often, by March, they have fallen by the wayside. The solutions were too hard; I just didn’t have the time; they were stupid anyway; everyone knows I’m always going to be like this. Why am I even bothering?

Did you know that God knew we were going to be this way? Matthew 26:41 NIV “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.” We want to make changes; we desire better health, broken habits, weight loss, addictions overcome.

Did you know God also knew we would fall short, that we would disappoint ourselves once again by lazily falling into the same old rut? Why? It’s familiar and more comfortable!

Did you know God gave you the way? Philippians 4:13 NLT “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” I know this scripture to be accurate and, if stood on, can bring you through anything.

I quit smoking when I was 38 years old. I tried a few times on my strength, didn’t make it. Made the final decision, prayed Philippians 4:13 every time it hurt, every time I wanted a cigarette and every time I was in the vicinity to easily buy a pack…Prayed, Prayed, and Prayed. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 ESV “Pray without ceasing.” I did just this and one morning woke up and the habit and chains were gone.

I have a very messed up neck. I was a field rep for many years, this meant hours of driving, loading and unloading samples, hotel beds and bad pillows. During years of chiropractic care I stumbled on a little white pill that took the neck pain away, helped the menopause mood swings and weight gain. A magic little pill until I woke up one morning and realized this little pill controlled me, not me controlling it. Oh, No, I’m addicted. Yep, same decision, same prayers only I couldn’t cold turkey this problem. I sliced and diced until The Lord, and I weaned me off, and I once again woke up, and the habit and chains were gone.

My hope this morning is if there is a New Years Resolution you wish to make or are going to make, and you’ve indeed reached your stopping point. Don’t try alone, you may need medical advice, look up how to properly wean from an addiction or medication, how to lose weight the proper way, or to gain weight and keep it on. The scenarios are as vast as the people who fight them. After you have taught yourself how, then partner with God and Philippians 4:13. With his help and strength, you got this. Don’t give up!!! Just keep looking up!!!

Good luck, be blessed, be a blessing, and thank you for joining me. 🥰