Think back on 2019. What was good? What worked well? What didn’t go so well? What do you want to be different in 2020? How will you get there? It’s important to take some time in the new year to set some new faith goals to motivate us to make some positive changes and grow.
The problem with most resolutions is that they’re too vague. “Eat better; sleep more; lose weight; learn a new language” There are too many things we resolve to do. We don’t take steps to achieve them. We don’t have any real accountability.
Many times, instead of asking for God’s direction for our resolutions, it’s just about what we want. Sometimes we forget that our purpose is to know Jesus and to make Him known to our world.
The difference between a resolution and an achievable goal is: a date and a deadline.
HOW CAN I REACH MY GOALS IN 2020?
• With God’s Presence in my heart.
Our own will-power only lasts so long. Usually, until the first chocolate cake is set in front of us! Instead, we need to rely on God’s power.
I am the Lord All-Powerful. So don’t depend on your own power or strength, but on my Spirit. Zechariah 4:6 (CEV)
It’s not based on trying; it’s based on trusting. I need God’s Spirit to empower me to keep my new commitments.
With God’s Word in my mind.
The Bible is the owner’s instruction manual for your life. The more you get God’s Word into your life, the more strong and fulfilled you’ll be. When Joshua had a life-long dream of going into the Promised Land, God said to him:
Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. Joshua 1:8
Make a fresh commitment to spend time reading your Bible in 2020.
With God’s People by my side.
If your goal is worth doing, it’s going to be bigger than just you. It takes a team to reach a dream. You need other people in your life. That’s why we love our Connection Groups and encourage everyone to be a part of a group. Groups are vital to getting connected. Your Connection Group can support you when you’re sick or when you’re going through a hard time.
A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12
You will grow more and faster when you join hands with others on a ministry team or in a group than any other way. Make a commitment today to move toward relationships in your church family in 2020.
When you take these practical steps, you won’t be the same person. You will see God do things in 2020 that you never thought were possible.