Resolution

Now that Christmas has passed and the year is coming to an end, I sit down and purposely reflect on what was, is, and what I hope will be. As I make mental notes of what more I can personally do to see my desires come to pass, I realize that much of what I’m hoping for requires great faith and perseverance in the Lord.

Coming to the conclusion that my works earn only a portion of my success stirs an indwelling battle over my need to control the outcomes in my life. It seems it would be so much easier if my success as a Christian writer and speaker relied solely on guts, willpower, and determination. If it did, I would gladly receive the efforts of my labor and claim my title as a professional. However, much in this business depends on others and even more importantly, the will of my heavenly Father. So I ask myself when forming my New Year’s resolution, what can I do to worry less about the things that are out of my control? After all, scripture poses a very valid point. “And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?” Luke 12:25  

My goal for 2015 is to live out the faith by which I am called to work. The book of James states, But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works and I will show you my faith by my works. In essence, I can’t depend on my works or faith alone to assure me of anything. As James goes on, he points out that Abraham’s faith was active along with his works, and that his faith was completed by his works.

So in the midst of considering all that I do and all that I believe, my prayer is that the Lord help me carry out whatever He calls me to do whether I am confident or not. I ask that He continue to build in me a foundation that is not easily shaken and develop in me words that help carry the hope of His promise.