The New Year's Challenge
2017 is days away, have you decided...how you're going to change the world this year? It's time for the New Year's Challenge! I may...or may not be challenging myself. After all, I've never been one to push myself beyond my comfort zone. In fact, in high school I only chose classes that I knew I could ace. I was number 25 in my class of 303 students. If you're a math wiz you will figure out quickly that I was in the top 10% of my class.
I'm sure student #26 would have been peeved, if he compared his class schedule to mine--swimming, creative writing, listening and discussion, independent reading, typing, band, cooking, family finance...I think you get the picture. It was more important for me to do well at what I did--than push myself beyond my comfort zone.
That's part of the reason I dislike the whole New Year's resolution thing. We are being challenged to do more, push ourselves, committee to stuff we probably won't ace. I know...I sound lazy or a bit of a perfectionist...either way...New Year's seems a little pushy if you ask me. Expecting me to challenge myself to be better...do better...
Then...two years ago...my husband preached a message the first Sunday of the New Year. He made this statement: If you can do it in
your own strength, without partnering with God, then it’s not really much of a
challenge.
Ouch! Now that was unnecessary! Then he went on to challenged the congregation in three areas:
Ouch! Now that was unnecessary! Then he went on to challenged the congregation in three areas:
·
A Personal Challenge
·
A Spiritual Challenge
·
A Family Challenge
After this message...I don't know what came over me...I never listen to him. (Kidding..maybe!)
So, I took The New Year's Challenge. I finished writing a Christian Fiction book I'd played around with for years. I know...crazy right. REMEMBER: If you can do it in your own strength, without partnering with God, then it’s not really much of a challenge.
There is no possible way I could have written a book without partnering with God. Hillbrooke New Beginnings is a testimony of my partnership with God in 2015/16.
So, I took The New Year's Challenge. I finished writing a Christian Fiction book I'd played around with for years. I know...crazy right. REMEMBER: If you can do it in your own strength, without partnering with God, then it’s not really much of a challenge.
There is no possible way I could have written a book without partnering with God. Hillbrooke New Beginnings is a testimony of my partnership with God in 2015/16.
In Phil.
4:13 the BIBLE SAYS this: "I can do all things
through Christ who gives me strength."
2017 will be gone before you know it. Do it--take The New Year's Challenge and partner with God.
Bev- This is a little "strange". I just made myself get up and do a few things to clean some things around the house...and then I read your devotional. All while scrubbing sinks and wiping counters, I kept saying "OK God...help me with this" and He did. I couldn't have finished it if he wasn't there to help me. I am so thankful for Him being there. Then I read your devotional. Hit it right on the head! I needed Him to help me. I couldn't do it on my own. Even something so simple I needed Him. I've missed a few devotions and have made a "resolution" to read them ALL. They are so inspirational. Just wanted to share that with you and whoever. Hope it helps "someone" in their walk with Him.
ReplyDeleteThanks Barb. You are an inspiration!
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