Ah, ‘tis the season to make promises to ourselves that we know we are not likely to keep. Some of the resolutions we make are good in themselves. To eat less, or to get more exercise. To drink less, or to be nicer to people. To spend more time with the family, or to go to church more. These are all good and noble desires.
But most of us have made enough resolutions to know that we are not very good at keeping them. Change does not come easily for us. In fact, it is said that of all the people in the world, only babies like change. Most of us like the idea of change, but we are not easily changed. This is disappointing.
Can I encourage you today? God is neither surprised nor disappointed when we fail to follow through on our promises. He has heard all the promises: to be better, to read through the Bible, to share our faith, to beat that sin, to love our families better, to try harder, to do more. Through the years, God has told people what He wanted, and people have fallen short time after time. God is not surprised when people don’t behave perfectly.
God is really not interested in your vows and promises. And that’s good news, really, because it means that your connection to God is not dependent on how well you obey. Obedience is good, sure. Following His leading is the very best thing you can do. Sin is stupid, so saying no to that is a good thing too.
But your connection to God is based much more on His devotion to you than your devotion to Him. 2 Timothy 2:13 says, “If we are unfaithful, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny who He is.” His promises to you matter much more than your promises to Him. When you fail – and you will – please don’t assume that you have let God down. The point of what Jesus did was show God’s commitment to you, rather than for you to count on your own commitment to Him.
The appropriate response to what God has done is to thank Him. Thank Him for His love and patience, His grace and mercy. Listen for His voice, and let Him lead you through 2014. When you mess up, don’t beat yourself up for broken promises. Picture God with open arms and a smiling face, instead of crossed arms and a scowl. “God came as Jesus and gave the world a big hug. All that’s left for you to do is to hug him back.” (Murray Scott)
But most of us have made enough resolutions to know that we are not very good at keeping them. Change does not come easily for us. In fact, it is said that of all the people in the world, only babies like change. Most of us like the idea of change, but we are not easily changed. This is disappointing.
Can I encourage you today? God is neither surprised nor disappointed when we fail to follow through on our promises. He has heard all the promises: to be better, to read through the Bible, to share our faith, to beat that sin, to love our families better, to try harder, to do more. Through the years, God has told people what He wanted, and people have fallen short time after time. God is not surprised when people don’t behave perfectly.
God is really not interested in your vows and promises. And that’s good news, really, because it means that your connection to God is not dependent on how well you obey. Obedience is good, sure. Following His leading is the very best thing you can do. Sin is stupid, so saying no to that is a good thing too.
But your connection to God is based much more on His devotion to you than your devotion to Him. 2 Timothy 2:13 says, “If we are unfaithful, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny who He is.” His promises to you matter much more than your promises to Him. When you fail – and you will – please don’t assume that you have let God down. The point of what Jesus did was show God’s commitment to you, rather than for you to count on your own commitment to Him.
The appropriate response to what God has done is to thank Him. Thank Him for His love and patience, His grace and mercy. Listen for His voice, and let Him lead you through 2014. When you mess up, don’t beat yourself up for broken promises. Picture God with open arms and a smiling face, instead of crossed arms and a scowl. “God came as Jesus and gave the world a big hug. All that’s left for you to do is to hug him back.” (Murray Scott)