At the beginning of each year, many people set new goals for their lives. Throughout the year, some decide to follow through, and others get off track for many reasons. Those reasons can stem from situations that we can change and/or things that we cannot change. This may lead to assessing old goals and creating new ones. Either way, it is a part of God’s will.

It’s your decision…

You can set whatever goals you want in your life. But I just want to encourage you to be the one who sets them. I say this because many people like to influence others to do what they think is best. Sometimes family, friends, leaders, and new-age influencers advise you based on their views versus God’s will. Now, everyone has their own unique way of delivering God’s Word to provide understanding to those who need guidance, and that is okay, but make sure what they say lines up with what God expects of you. It states in 1 Corinthians 10:31: “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” Align your beliefs, actions, and character with Him and His purpose for your life.

Acting on truth…

Our lives should be about searching and acting on truth so that we can continue to grow. No one knows everything, so we all should be okay with the fact that we have to learn along the way. The best part is that God will lead us and cover us throughout our journey as we learn more about Him. Psalm 23:1–3 states, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” Be careful of those who may be deceptive or have hidden agendas. There are individuals who use God to mislead others. Maybe you have already experienced this in your life.

He guides…

Keep in mind that if you have been baptized in the Spirit, you have a guide. In John 16:13, it states, “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth”. The Holy Spirit is your guide. In John 14:26 it states, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” God will direct you. I am not saying that you won’t run into those who will confirm what God has already spoken to you. But your relationship with the Father is personal.

The goal should always be to have an individual relationship with God. He already knows you, but enjoy the time you spend together. Those private moments allow the two of you to have your own conversation so that He can guide you and instruct you on how to accomplish the goals that are set for your life. Psalm 32:8 reads, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you”. God will keep you! Be watchful of those individuals who come to deceive or misdirect you. Don’t allow anyone to cause you moral harm. Those who love you and do things according to the Word will guide you right back to God.

Decisions you make…

The New Year holiday represents different things to different people. However, one thing that seems to be consistent with many believers and non-believers would be the custom of setting new goals. But I am going to tell you a secret. You can decide to set new goals or change your life at any time. You don’t need to wait for the new year to make changes, but I encourage you not to postpone them. Be encouraged when being led by God to accomplish the purpose He has for your life. Keep in mind that your goals are a part of your journey. The Christmas holiday represents the genuine gift given by God. It was the birth of Jesus. So, Jesus is the actual gift, not something found under the tree. The New Year is a representation of the first shedding of Jesus’ blood (Luke 2:21), and in April we will acknowledge His death and resurrection. However, let’s not forget the importance of the journey. With that said, what are your goals for this year? 

Blessings,

Dr. L. Eastering aka Dr. E