Can you believe 2010 is here? It seems like yesterday that I sat down and thought about the things I hoped to accomplish in 2009. Now, another year has passed, and once again I find myself taking inventory and asking the question, “What do I hope to accomplish in 2010?” The answer to this question in my life, as well as yours, should be driven by the truths revealed in the Bible - God’s holy Word.
One passage of scripture that impacts my planning each year is found in Ephesians 3:20-21. In these verses, we discover some incredible truths. These verses say, “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.” (New International Version)
Let’s think about the truths taught in Ephesians 3. The first truth is that the God of the Bible can do immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine. As a result, no challenge is too great and no decision is too complex for our God. The second truth in Ephesians 3 is that God works according to His power that is inside us. What an awesome truth! Believers in Jesus Christ have direct access to the One who holds life changing power in His very being, and that life changing power resides inside the heart of every believer. What can you and I learn from these truths? We can learn that we serve a powerful God who accomplishes things beyond our imagination, and He accomplishes them through us.
May I share with you how the truths of Ephesians 3:20-21 impact my yearly resolution process? Each year, I make a list of resolutions - the things I want to change in my life. This list usually consists of ideas like organizing my junk drawers, losing a few pounds, drinking more water, and exercising four times a week. Perhaps your resolution list looks the same. Then, I begin to pray and ask the Lord to show me an area or two that I can’t possibly change in my own strength or power, areas that will only change if God graciously moves in my life. Once these areas are identified, I apply the truths taught in Ephesians 3:20-21. I meditate on the fact that God can do more in my life than I can ask or imagine. Daily, I take each area to the Lord in prayer and ask Him to work in my life. As I place myself before the Lord, an amazing thing takes place. God’s power, which resides in my heart, accomplishes His work.
Last year, I identified an area of fear in my life. I knew based on God’s Word that God did not want me to live in fear. I also knew that in my own strength and power, I could not overcome my fear. So, throughout 2009, I prayed that God would take away my fear and in its place give me His courage. As I look back, I am amazed at the progress God made in my life. Certainly, I did not accomplish this work on my own; this change from fear to courage was a direct result of God’s power at work in my life.
This week as you consider your resolutions, I want to leave you with this challenge: Allow the truths taught in Ephesians 3:20-21 to help you in your planning process. Believe it or not, 2010 is here. Welcome this new year with a sense of purpose, knowing that you serve the one true God and that He is able to do more than all you can ask or imagine. So, dear friend, dream BIG!