By adding a "d" to the word determine, we move from a decisive decision to a solid resolve to make something happen. This year, I am praying that God helps me add the "d" of dedication to everything I have decided to pursue in my life and contribute to others.
This past year has been a busy one. It was filled with many firsts. God blessed me to see and experience many of my plans for the year and added a few bonus successes in the mix. But all the achieving, starting, and growing had me ending the year feeling winded. I had other things that I wanted to accomplish but just didn't feel like I had the resolve to finish. However, even in my state of feeling weary, I am still excited and motivated by the possibilities of this life. I view last year's victories, accomplishments, and experiences as just the tip of the iceberg for what God has planned for my life. With this resolve and expectancy, I want to keep journeying and growing so that in my lifetime, I can see the fulfillment of the total vision He has planned for my life.
So with this decisive decision, I need to add the "d" of dedication to retain the resolve as I experience the growth, challenges, disappointment, and periods of waiting this year. I want to embrace them each and still keep moving forward. With this resolve, I am committed to insulating myself in hope. I will hold on to my expectancy of God's promises to be fulfilled in every area of my life. I will hope and patiently wait for them. I will grow and diligently work toward them. I will receive God's peace and rejoice in the blessings of now and the blessings along the way. I am determined to not only see it but enjoy it.
When I think about my plans and aspirations, I know that I cannot forget the words faithful and hope they will help to keep me determined. I must be faithful to the things which God has called me to and hold onto hope moving forward in expectancy of the promises and rewards of God.
Some may not be able to testify to a list of successes, growth, and fulfilling experiences from last year. However, I want to encourage you to see the possibilities of the life that God has given you and seek to make some determinations. To dream with God and see the potential for good in your life. Embrace these possibilities and ask God to strengthen you to become dedicated to seeing these things happen in you and around you.
Lord, give us a dedicated heart to live this life in Your peace and joy and accomplish the good works You have planned for us, In Jesus' Name Amen.
Encouraging verses (NLT)
Nehemiah 8:10 "… Don't be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!"
Acts 20:24 "But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.
Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”
Galatians 6:9 "But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God."
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 "Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope, comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say."
Romans 15:4 "Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God's promises to be fulfilled."
Oh exciting to read how God abundantly blessed last year. So refreshing...and encouraging! Thanks for sharing - and here's to another year full of His blessings and rewards for faithfulness -
I wandered through the messes
of this past long year,
and my sole success is
baby, I'm still here.
Something tried to kill me
just this past July,
but that is now history,
and I still wonder why
the good Lord picked me to survive
when many now are gone,
and even though I do not thrive
I still can limp along
to do my best, and do my duty
trying to reflect Christ's beauty.
This is a great way to approach this year, Avis, "With this decisive decision, I need to add the "d" of dedication to retain the resolve as I experience the growth, challenges, disappointment, and periods of waiting this year."