A Different Kind of Resolution

I woke up this morning with a pit in my stomach that exuded guilt, shame and a little sadness.  As I cleared my head and gathered my thoughts, the reason for this heaviness became quite obvious.  It is December 31 and not only does it mark the end of a challenging year, but it also marks a reminder that I fell short of accomplishing the goals and resolutions I had set for 2010. 

I didn’t lose all the weight I had committed to lose.  My bank account reflects that I don’t have the amount of money I strived to acquire and my closets (along with a few other things in my house) indicate that I didn’t get as organized as I promised I would.

In conclusion, I think it is safe to say (by anyone’s standards) that I was failure.  Wow! That’s a brutal label and definitely hard to swallow.  While I’ve had a few letdowns and disappointments in my life, I’ve never considered myself a failure.  But isn’t the definition of a failure something that neglects to meet its expectations? And didn’t I?

Just as soon as the mocking voice in my spirit jeered, “failure, failure, failure,” a stronger, calming, comforting voice spoke “loved, blessed, worthy, pleasing, precious…” So, as I search for the truth of who or what I really am, I stand on the promise of God’s word that tells me:

I am loved – “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”  John 3:16

I am forgiven – “And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses.”  Colossians 2:13

I am favored – “For they did not gain possession of the land by their own sword, nor did their own arm save them; but it was Your right hand, Your arm, and the light of Your countenance, because You favored them:  Psalm 44:3

I am chosen – “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”  Luke 10:2

I am precious - “How precious also are Your thoughts about me, O God!  How great is the sum of them.” Psalm 140:17

I am fearless – “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love and of a sound mind.”  2 Timothy 1:7

I am victorious – “What then shall we say of these things:  If God is for us, who can be against us?”  Romans 8:31

I am healed – “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him and by His stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5

I am redeemed – “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.” 
Ephesians 1:7

I am heard – “I love the Lord because He has heard my voice and my supplications.” Psalm 116:1

I am protected – “For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; In the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock.” Psalm 27:7

I am an overcomer - "You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world."  1 John 4:4

I am saved - "And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins." Matthew 1:21

There are so many more wonderful things that God has to say about me.  So this year, I’ve decided that my resolutions will be different than previous years.  Rather than committing to accomplish anything in my own strength and almost certainly falling short by mid-February or possibly March (if I’m lucky), I pledge to follow the lead of my Sweet Jesus and to heed to the calling of His voice that says, “I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you, not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11.  This year, I won’t be a failure and this I know because the Bible tells me so! 

Happy New Year to everyone and may God bless you with prosperity, health and complete favor in 2011.