Thursday, January 19, 2023

Pursuing a Successful Purpose in the New Year

 



By: Donna Bucher


Nearing the end of January fills me with anticipation for the year ahead. Avoiding the rush of hasty resolutions or non-specific goals, I prayerfully ease into a new year.

The reason most resolutions and goals fail before completion often rests in an unclear “why” or motivation. We all want to change, most of us have the ability for change, but few possess a clear reason for the change.

But encountering temptations, obstacles, and discouragement threatens a successful outcome.

Unless your motivation is bigger than yourself.

Creating a bigger resolve rooted in a “why” sourced in fulfilling God’s calling for your life guarantees success in the New Year.

Fulfilling my desire for a purpose-filled, intentional year focused on Kingdom impact rests in showcasing the worth of God’s calling on my life. Not my personal call for ministry or writing; but the same calling covering every Christian.

To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power,

2Thessalonians 1:11

Embracing God’s enduring Hope, a refined purpose and intentional impact reflect my call as a Christian.

But living worthy of my calling involves evidence others see of God’s supernatural power in my life.

Which is more often reflected in habits, behavior and priorities marked by a heavenly mindset.

 

The Apostle Paul reminded the Thessalonians, the worthiness of their calling in Christ spoke not of any merit earned, but of God’s powerful work. Walking, however, in a manner worthy of their calling meant honoring the calling received by grace through Christ’s merits.

Seeking success in the new year pivots on honoring God with my desires for change, growth, and impact for His Kingdom.

Possessing a “why” as big as honoring God’s calling in Christ ensures perseverance in the face of adversity.

Walking in godliness, honoring my calling from God, exalts Christ, showing forth the magnificence of grace. Which ultimately points others to Christ.

so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Thessalonians 1:12


Strengthened with Hope, armed with a well-defined purpose, and fueled with solid intentions, what does walking out the “why” of honoring my calling in Christ look like?

Seek growth both inwardly and outwardly. Honoring Christ through my calling means seeking growth spiritually and relationally. (2 Thessalonians 1:3)

What area of my spiritual walk needs maturity?

How can I increase my love for others by nurturing my relationships?

How can I seek abundant growth which will honor God?

Seek faithfulness in the valley. Affliction will come. Receiving it from God’s good hand with steadfastness allows me to see more of God’s strength and power in my life, igniting growth. Faithfulness in suffering also displays God’s greatness and beauty to others. (2 Thessalonians 1:4)

How would focusing on increased intimacy with God and spiritual growth affect my perspective on suffering or setbacks?

How can I reframe interrupted goals, plans and disappointments to better receive suffering?

How can I learn to view suffering and disruption as a gentle friend instead of the enemy to my agenda?

Seek the source for success. Apart from God, my goals, purpose, and intentions remain misplaced. Only God makes me worthy of His calling in Christ and only God fulfills my goals, purpose and intentions by His good hand. (2 Thessalonians 1:11)

How can I stay focused on God’s agenda for success and not my own?

How can I strengthen my faith, enabling me to move ahead in His power?

 

Continued and unceasing prayer sustains progress, focus, and growth as you pursue your God given assignments for the year ahead.

Honoring your calling in Christ as well as commitment to God’s ultimate will and purpose provide a “why” big enough to endure temptations, distractions, disappointments and adversity.

Here's to a Happy New Year in the Lord!












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1 comment:

  1. Thank you so much, Donna, for this thoughtful article. It has encouraged me because normally I don't have a particular word or phrase for the year, but this year, He gave me "quiet confidence". I've seen Him working it in my life already and now I'm looking forward to where it will lead me through the year as I honor my calling in Christ.

    ReplyDelete

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