Get cracking 

‘I keep working towards that day when I will finally be all that Christ... wants me to be.’ Philippians 3:12 TLB 

If your goal is to become all God wants you to be, then more resolutions aren’t the answer. Based on your track record, you know just about how long they last. But don’t let past performance stand in the way of your future plans. Here’s an important key: if you focus only on the end result, you’ll get overwhelmed. Tackle one thing at a time. Start with a specific area, even a difficult one. Golfer Arnold Palmer said: ‘The most rewarding things in life are often ones that look like they can’t be done!’ Here’s a four-point plan to get you started: 1) No more excuses. By saying, ‘That’s just the way I am,’ or ‘Everybody does it,’ you rationalise disobedience and diminish conviction. Don’t say that anymore! 2) Set manageable goals. Approach your target with a rifle, not a shotgun. Instead of reaching for everything, grasp only those things that are important to your personal growth this year. 3) Be reasonable. It takes 21 days for a habit to take root. Setbacks are part of the process. If you get off track, just get back on again! Perseverance is the secret! 4) Be optimistic. Paul says, ‘We are saved by hope’ (Romans 8:24 KJV). Keep reminding yourself that ‘with God’s help I can do it,’ and you’ll discover you can! Change is painful; not changing is even more painful! Remember, Paul didn’t say he’d arrived, he said, ‘I keep working towards that day’ (Philippians 3:12 TLB). So, what are you waiting for? Get cracking! 

Prayer Point:

Father, thank You for the opportunities You have placed in my life to serve others and to serve You. Help me, Lord, to see the benefit in the things that I do and keep a positive perspective about my work even when it seems to be going wrong. Thank You, Lord, for my abilities, my God-given wisdom and the confidence I have in You. Let me see Your kingdom come. In Jesus’ name, Amen.