Is it almost January, already? Mercy sakes! Guess it’s time to renew my annual commitment to lose 50 pounds.
However, in theory, I actually met and surpassed that goal last year because I did lose 55 pounds.
The problem is; I lost the same 5 pounds, again and again. My commitment wears thin as the real goal continues to be out of my reach. This year HAS to be different.
I can’t do the same thing over and over while expecting different results. Fifty pounds seemed a reasonable weight loss goal to spread over a year, so, instead of adjusting my goal, last year, I decided to change my approach. Once more invigorated by the prospect of a thinner me; I bought a gym membership.
Quickly, I discovered that more commitment was required than simply signing on the dotted line. My head held high in determination, I disciplined myself to a rigorous regimen of exercise. Nothing, absolutely nothing was allowed to deter me from my commitment.
Reviewing my accomplishments after a few months of daily trips to the gym; I discovered that the only thing I’d lost was thirty five dollars a month. Not the goal I’d hoped for, but certainly proof I did have some level of discipline.
Trying not to be discouraged, this year, I think that perhaps it is my goal that needs to be over hauled. Instead of struggling for perfection through strict discipline and unyielding commitment to a plan, perhaps I need to simplify; eat less, exercise more. A lifetime committment instead of a momentary goal; I think this plan will work.
Sometimes, my goal to serve God can get as bogged down as my weight loss plan. It’s so easy to commit myself to what I THINK God wants for my life. God has a plan; however, not necessarily the same plan that I have. The question is, am I committed to what I’m doing or surrendered to God’s perfect will?
There are times in both Old (Judges 14:1-4) and New Testaments when God’s plan wasn’t exactly what everybody expected. Even the disciples thought that Jesus had come to free them from Roman rule and be their King (Acts 1:6). Jesus had other plans. (John 6:15, John 18:36)
The Apostle Paul had plans to preach in Asia. Instead, Acts 16:6-10 reveals that he was directed, by the Spirit, to Macedonia to preach the Gospel. An important part of ministry is planning, but God’s plan is preeminent.
God uses ordinary people to do His will, people like you and me. It is important to remember that God is sovereign! When I serve God with all of my heart, I sign my name on the bottom line and tell God to fill in the contract. Not commitment to a goal; but a total life time surrender to God’s will.
Psalms 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, and He delights in his way.
Prayer: Father, help me to step out in faith and follow my plan to success. I want to not only make a plan but follow it for both physical and spiritual goals. I know you won’t make me do anything—it is my—choice. Help me to be strong and focused.. thank you. Amen
Scriptural references:
Judges 14:1-4 Samson went down to Timnah and saw there a young Philistine woman. When he returned, he said to his father and mother, “I have seen a Philistine woman in Timnah; now get her for me as my wife.”
His father and mother replied, “Isn’t there an acceptable woman among your relatives or among all our people? Must you go to the uncircumcised Philistines to get a wife?”
But Samson said to his father, “Get her for me. She’s the right one for me.” (His parents did not know that this was from the Lord, who was seeking an occasion to confront the Philistines; for at that time they were ruling over Israel.)
Acts 1:6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”
John 6:15 Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself.
John 18:36 Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.”