Our intentions are good, but as you know, our (New Year) resolutions rarely last. One reason they don’t stick is that the focus is often on our efforts, rather than on our God. The Bible says, “many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.” {Proverbs 19:21}
We must line up our plans with God’s plans … align our will with His will.
What are God's plans and purposes for us?
Look at God's plan and priorities for our lives:
1) God wants us to experience His great love for us.
“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” {1 John 3:1}.
2) God wants us to receive His forgiveness.
“I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, I will confess my transgressions to the Lord. And you forgave the guilt of my sin.” {Psalm 32:5}
3) God wants us to know Him.
“This is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent." {John 17:3}
4) God wants to conform us to be like Jesus Christ.
“Those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son." {Romans 8:29}
5) God wants us to know His Word.
“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” {Joshua 1:8}
6) God wants us to talk to Him daily in prayer.
“Pray in the Spirit (pray with the Spirit's help) on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people." {Ephesians 6:18}
7) God wants us to trust Him in all things.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and he will make your paths straight.” {Proverbs 3:5–6}
8) God wants us to love Him.
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." {Matthew 22:37}
9) God wants us to love others.
“Love your neighbor as yourself.” {Matthew 22:39}
10) God wants us to tell others about Jesus Christ.
“We are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making His appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, ‘Come back to God!’” {2 Corinthians 5:20}
As we seek any change in our lives, remember God’s plans are always best for us. When our plans align with His plans, we'll receive lasting joy, inner peace, and strength to change. Remember, we aren't our own—Christ is our strength for change. Colossians 1:27 clearly states that it’s Jesus Christ in us the hope of glory (the hope of reflecting who He is).
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