trbccoffeebreak

“I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me.” Psalm 57:2 (ESV)

Can’t believe it but January is history. This month has gone by so fast and today marks the moment when resolutions and goals gain momentum or we give in to “I give up.” Not what we envisioned probably on January 1. Takes 30 days for new habits to be formed. Takes 30 days to break old habits. Consistency has always been the key in cultivating change.

What are you tackling in 2019? How’s it going so far? Easy to start roaring out the starting gate of a new year with lots of ambition and excitement. But it takes consistency and discipline to keep pressing through at a steady pace. Any goal worth pursuing and any challenge worth beating requires hard work and a determined mindset to stay the course.

Gotta admit it’s awfully tempting to skip or forego a goal for just one day. Easy to rationalize why it really won’t impact our desired end. Totally excusable, we think, to allow other things to convince us we just don’t have time. Amazing isn’t it how easily we can talk ourselves out of something we promised to do for one day and then one becomes two, two becomes three….I think you get the picture. Before we know it, we’ve opened the door to losing momentum.

Now don’t get me wrong – I’m all for grace in those moments when enthusiasm lags or life happens. But if we really want to see change in us then we can’t keep doing the same things over and over again that don’t serve us well. We have to press past giving up and keep the momentum.

Love the way scripture reminds us of those whose consistency served them well. On the run from King Saul, David repeatedly claimed God as his refuge. Three times a day, Daniel postured his heart on bended knee and prayed to God. Ruth daily provided for her mother-in-law, Naomi, without any hopes of a kinsman redeemer. Faced with numerous persecutions, Paul steadfastly preached the message that Jesus was the Messiah. Giving up was never on their lips. Entertaining excuses didn’t characterize their actions. Faithfully and persistently, they chose to trust God and not cave in.

Sweet friends we can do the same. Whatever goals God is setting before us, we can accomplish if we stay the course, keep up the momentum, hit discouragement straight on and trust God to fulfill His good purposes in us. Victory is ours for the taking – let’s finish strong!

“Father, You have equipped us with everything we need to accomplish Your will in our lives. Meet us at any places of discouragement or laziness that seeks to detour us from Your best. Praising You even now for all we will accomplish together in 2019.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life