It’s a new day and a New Year! The year 2018 is behind us, and 2019 is in front of us. Last year may have been a great year for you while others experienced difficult circumstances. Regardless of what kind of year you had, it is important to “let it go.”
Paul wrote about this in Philippians 3:13−14 (NKJV) “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
Paul never looked back—he was always going forward. Paul had failures and successes he could reflect on. However, to run his God-ordained race, it meant never looking back. We are all running the “race of life.” It is important to run successfully.
My husband ran track. The cardinal rule of running track is to keep your eyes on the finish line all the time. Who or what is beside or behind you cannot concern you. To win—you must not take your eyes off the goal. Ken tells how he lost a race by 1/100 of a second because he glanced at the runner beside him. That glance caused him to lose his stride, and he lost the race.
I’m concerned that many people are losing their race in life—the life God planned for them. They are taking their eyes off their Heavenly Father. Jesus said in John 10:10 (NKJV) “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”
Be encouraged to consult with God on every decision you make this year. Life will go so much smoother when you allow Him to lead, guide, and direct your life.Lynette Hagin
The Heavenly Father desires that we live an abundant life. However, one reason we aren’t experiencing abundance is because of the decisions we make. Making the right decision is vitally important. Decisions determine your direction, and direction determines your destiny.
At a young age, my father gave me some great advice about decision making. He said, “Lynette, before you make a decision, consider all the consequences that could arise from that decision. Be prepared to live with them.”
Those words of wisdom made me realize that every life decision was important and should not be made flippantly. I have endeavored to consider that advice in every decision I face.
When God created mankind, He gave us the right to make our own choices. Those decisions make us. God wants us to look to Him for help in making the right choices.
Two of my favorite scriptures are verses 5−6 in Proverbs chapter 3, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”
God knows the future better than we know the past. Consulting Him in every decision is essential. He wants to help us in small decisions as well as the important ones. Never make a decision based on today’s difficulties without thinking about how it will affect your future. Often when decisions are made in the midst of adversity, they prove to be unwise.
My father-in-law was a great example to follow in learning how to make proper decisions. He never made a decision until he had prayed about it and asked for God’s direction and divine will. Deadlines never forced him to make a decision. When we would press him because of a looming deadline, he would say, “When God gives me the answer, I will let you know. A deadline will not move me. Things can wait until I get the answer.”
At first, his answer frustrated me. However, since I had no choice but to wait patiently, I found the wisdom of waiting for God’s perfect plan. It’s always the successful way to go. And it doesn’t include the obstacles we encountered when we tried to do things our way instead of God’s way.
Be encouraged to consult with God on every decision you make this year. Life will go so much smoother when you allow Him to lead, guide, and direct your life. You may not understand the answer He gives you. But if you will follow Him, the Lord will work everything out for your good.
Author
Lynette Hagin
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