Theme:   Getting Unstuck - A New Kind of Resolution

This eDevotional was written by a volunteer from Timberlake Church. 

READ:  Psalm 9:9-10; Psalm 37:4-6; Jeremiah 17:7

THINK:  No matter how long we have been a follower of Christ, it seems like there is always something that God wants to teach us or to take us to that next level of trust.  And New Year’s is the time that we tend to have more anticipation for it.  We make resolutions with the best intentions, but quite often fall short of our expectations.

Last year I resolved to get more ‘margin’ in my life.  I had an expectation that meant saying ‘no’ to doing more things, to taking better care of myself and reducing the stress in my life.  In looking back at 2011, initially I would say that I failed miserably on that resolution.  Upon further contemplation though, God reminded me of what I did do last year—more importantly what I've become.

2011 was a major life-transformational year for me.  It started out with great uncertainty, but I took that uncertainty to God in a way that I never had before.  I began spending dedicated chunks of time in prayer and meditation with God.  God spoke to me during those times and drew me closer to Him in a very deep and personal way. 

Then some miraculous things began to happen that not only affected me, but had a ripple effect that touched people in another country and another faith as well.  God reached deep inside of me and brought healing to a long-standing wound.  He took away all my fears associated with this hurt and brought forgiveness in a way that only God could’ve orchestrated.  His healing allowed me to become more whole and truly become more of the person God intends me to be.

So that resolution to make more ‘margin’ in my life didn’t turn out to be what I expected.  It turned out to be something so much greater because the margin that I got in my life was more time with God.  He got a bigger part of me, not in what I can do for Him, but in my love for and devotion to Him.  I am not all there yet, but He has taken my trust in Him to the next higher level.  I am starting 2012 with new uncertainties in my life, but He has taught me to embrace them, to be grateful for them and that I can trust Him with the outcome if I surrender to His will.

DO:  Commit to God to spiritually grow this year without any expectation for what that specifically looks like.  Be open to connecting with other Christ followers who will support you in your growth or start out the New Year with a book of daily devotionals.  Just listen and let Him stretch you.

PRAY:  Heavenly Father, I ask that you would give me more margin in my life for You.  Help me to face my fears and uncertainty with the assurance of Your love and mercy.  Teach me to trust in You and “lean not on my own understanding”.  Amen.