There is something about the end of a year that naturally causes us to look back and look ahead. We think about what went well, what didn't, what we wish we had done differently, and what we hope will change in the year ahead. Before long, we start making plans. We set goals, create resolutions, and promise ourselves that this year will be different.
But what if the most important question isn't, “What do I want to change?” What if the better question is, “Jesus, what do You want to change in me?”
Following Jesus has never been about adding Him to our lives while everything else stays the same. Jesus came to transform us. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
Transformation means change. And while most of us like the idea of becoming more like Jesus, we don't always like the process He uses to get us there. Change can be uncomfortable. It may mean letting go of something we've grown accustomed to. It can mean admitting that an attitude, habit, priority, or relationship needs to be different.
Sometimes God challenges the way we think. Sometimes He calls us to forgive someone, take a step of obedience, establish a new priority, or leave behind something that is keeping us from moving forward.
Our tendency is to ask God to change our circumstances. God is often more interested in using our circumstances to change us.
Throughout Scripture, encounters with Jesus changed people. The disciples left their nets and followed Him. Zacchaeus changed the way he handled his possessions. Peter learned that failure didn't have to define his future. Paul went from opposing Jesus to giving his life to proclaiming Him.
Jesus met people where they were, but He loved them too much to leave them there.
The same is true for us. As you prepare for a new year, don't just make room in your calendar for new goals. Make room in your heart for God to do something new in you.
Ask Him a few honest questions:
Then give God permission to lead. You don't have to know everything God wants to do in the coming year. You simply need to be willing to follow Him one step at a time.
The Christmas story began with people willing to make room for what God was doing. Mary said yes. Joseph obeyed. The shepherds went. The wise men followed.
As one year ends and another begins, may we have that same posture. Don't just ask God for a different year. Make room for Him to make a difference in you.
But what if the most important question isn't, “What do I want to change?” What if the better question is, “Jesus, what do You want to change in me?”
Following Jesus has never been about adding Him to our lives while everything else stays the same. Jesus came to transform us. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
Transformation means change. And while most of us like the idea of becoming more like Jesus, we don't always like the process He uses to get us there. Change can be uncomfortable. It may mean letting go of something we've grown accustomed to. It can mean admitting that an attitude, habit, priority, or relationship needs to be different.
Sometimes God challenges the way we think. Sometimes He calls us to forgive someone, take a step of obedience, establish a new priority, or leave behind something that is keeping us from moving forward.
Our tendency is to ask God to change our circumstances. God is often more interested in using our circumstances to change us.
Throughout Scripture, encounters with Jesus changed people. The disciples left their nets and followed Him. Zacchaeus changed the way he handled his possessions. Peter learned that failure didn't have to define his future. Paul went from opposing Jesus to giving his life to proclaiming Him.
Jesus met people where they were, but He loved them too much to leave them there.
The same is true for us. As you prepare for a new year, don't just make room in your calendar for new goals. Make room in your heart for God to do something new in you.
Ask Him a few honest questions:
- What needs to change in me?
- What am I holding on to that I need to release?
- Where have I become comfortable when You're calling me to grow?
- What step of obedience have I been avoiding?
Then give God permission to lead. You don't have to know everything God wants to do in the coming year. You simply need to be willing to follow Him one step at a time.
The Christmas story began with people willing to make room for what God was doing. Mary said yes. Joseph obeyed. The shepherds went. The wise men followed.
As one year ends and another begins, may we have that same posture. Don't just ask God for a different year. Make room for Him to make a difference in you.
Posted in Make Room