Are Resolutions Failing Propositions? - The Crosswalk Devotional - January 3
Are Resolutions Failing Propositions?
By Kelly Balarie
Bible Reading:
“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” – Matthew 26:41 NIV
I set my specific goals to improve on January 1st; however, somewhere between 3 days to 3 weeks later, my resolution was done, broke, and entirely over. I can’t say I’m proud of it. My spirit was willing, but my flesh proved weak. And, in a spirit of confession, before you, fellow Christian, I must admit, this wasn’t an isolated incident either. I’ve broken resolution after resolution. I commit to things and don’t always follow through. I sometimes hate myself for it too.
Ever been there?
It’s frustrating. The new year resolution that was supposed to bless, inspire, and make me better – defeated, discouraged, and deflated me. Grr…
So, here we are again…in the midst of the new year. The time of year when people are throwing up resolution-like things, like bullets, all over social media sites. A time when they say, “I am going to ____.” “I will stop ____.” “My word of the year is ____.”
Hearing all these bold declarations – almost makes you feel like a lazy loser if you’re not participating.
But, at the same time, and I think it is a valid question to ask – do resolutions even work? And are they God’s best intent for us?
Research shows only 9% people keep their new year resolution. 23% give up by the first week. 43% give up by February.
Even the holy and saintly disciples broke a resolution.
In Jesus’ hour of intense agony and sorrow, in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus told them to sit nearby and to keep watch with him. I’m sure they determined, with great inner resolution, to accomplish this – to obey and to pray, just like Jesus had said.
Yet, it wasn’t too long until Jesus returned and found them – asleep. So much for that resolution!
“Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matt. 26:41-42 NIV)
Ultimately, what it comes down to is – resolution without intercession is ineffective. Resolution without God’s accompanying grace is counterproductive. Resolution without keeping watch leads to falling into temptation.
In all this, I can’t help but think that it is better not to say, “I am going to do this ____ this year,” but instead, to pray, “God, give me grace and show me how to do ____ today. Reveal to me what to watch out for…”
One sets itself up for defeat; the other sets itself up to rely on God. Just as I want my kids to trust me as I teach them, versus being a know-it-all who can do it all – God wants our trust, too.
In this, we can be encouraged! God has all the grace we need! Like fresh bread, with fresh daily-equipping power all packed inside – we can approach him day-by-day, moment-by-moment, for all the grace we need in our hour of need, without setting ourselves up for defeat.
What if, instead of declaring some massive resolution we get about daily intercession for the deep desires of our heart? Perhaps, then, we’ll see, even in the failings God is gleaning great learnings for us, as we go forward.
Our life change is not by our own power or might, but it all happens by the Spirit of God.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
What do you want to see change in your life? What if, morning by morning, you ask God to help you, you seek His way, and you keep knocking? How might God’s grace be more valuable than your own willpower? How have you seen God change you in the past? Ask Him to do it again.
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Related Resource: How Habit Stacking Will Help You Discipline Your Mind, Body, & Spirit
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