“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider that I have made it my own yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead,” Philippians 3:13.
The start of a new year is an important time for recalibrating and refocusing on the call God has given you. The past year, with all of your failings, regrets, and successes, is just that—in the past. His mercies are new every morning, and his love is unfailing. Letting go of the year frees you to look ahead.
Looking ahead to the coming year and all the unfolding promises of God requires faith in God’s provision and grace to equip you to accomplish all he has for you to do. Entering a new year is the perfect time to refocus on the things God wants for each of us—an unwavering commitment to him and sacrificial love for people.
Take some time today to start fresh with God. Allow the past year and any failings you had to be covered by the grace we’ve received through the blood of Christ. Ask him about the plans he has for you this year. He longs to share them with you. He longs to give you a hope and vision for what you can do through him. “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived— the things God has prepared for those who love him,” 1 Corinthians 2:9. God has so many thoughts and plans for each of us as we follow him.
Each of us has a call. Every Christ follower is called to:
- Love God
- Love people
- Fulfill the great commission.
All three of these callings have something in common: They are not about us. Each of these responsibilities God has given us is outward focused. Ask God to give you a new and fresh love for him, a love for the unlovable around you, and the boldness to proclaim it to all you come in contact with.
Take time to fall in love with him all over again. Start fresh with a renewed sense of awe, worship, and inspiration in his presence. Commit to opening your ears and hearts to hear and receive the amazing surprises he has for you in 2017.
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