Queen in Gold
Like many others I started this year challenging myself to be more healthy, organised, productive and balanced. This year I want to put an effort into my appearance, relationships and spiritual growth. I want to make a priority of writing on this blog. I want to have an influence in the Kingdom and walk in my calling. Basically - I want to be a "better person". Is it just me?
In order to achieve this I’ve come up with a number of measurable goals: they include getting up earlier, going to bed earlier, daily exercise, less series, daily schedules, lots and lots of reminders on my phone and much more.
I’d actually like to challenge the notion that New Year’s resolutions can’t change us. There’s something fresh about a new year that makes us want to do better. It’s a little bit like grace – it’s a second chance. I believe that in the light of being a good representative of God (Genesis 1:26; 2 Corinthians 5:20) and a good steward of the time He’s given us (Psalm 90:12; Ephesians 5:15-16); making a few New Year’s resolutions to help you become a "better you” is not all that bad.
The real issue with these resolutions, is expecting change to happen between 31 December and 1 January.
Let’s not limit God in saying He can’t change people over night, but in my walk with Him I’ve noticed He’s usually a fan of PROCESS. What is process?
Then it occurred to me that “process” can be something we do as well as something we go through. Sometimes it requires looking inwardly; sometimes it requires taking action or sometimes we just need to walk it out. Ultimately, it changes us.
Process in the Bible
Abraham
God had some big plans for Abraham and his descendants, but it required a long process. On a number of occasions God promised him a massive offspring; but before his son was born there were many years of waiting, trusting and hoping; despite the facts. Abraham even tried to take things into his own hands (as we do). Eventually, Isaac was born. Then a few years down the line God asked him to sacrifice his promised son. We see the same Abraham who earlier tried to make his own plans, now submitting to God’s plan and process. (Genesis 12-22) (If you’re somehow not familiar with this story – Abraham never actually sacrificed his son – God sacrificed His). Joseph Here we have Abraham’s great-grandson. He grew up dreaming about being royalty, but ended up being sold into slavery by his own brothers. Things were starting to look better when he was promoted to be the head of his master’s household, but then his moral conduct got him thrown into jail. In jail he interpreted a few dreams, but a whole two years passed before it did him any good. Then in only one day he received the opportunity to interpret the Pharaoh’s dream and became second in command to the whole of Egypt. As only He could, God used the process to prepare Joseph for what was to come. (Genesis 37, 39-40) Jesus Process is even evident in the life of our Saviour. Even just the coming of the Messiah didn’t happen right after the Fall. There were certain things God wanted to put into place first. Then Jesus was born – as an immature baby. And He grew. By the time He was twelve teachers in the temple were amazed at His understanding, but this didn’t mean He was ready for ministry yet (Luke 2:41-52). Only when He was about 30 years old His time came (Luke 3:23). But first He needed to be baptized (Luke 3:21-22). Then He needed to fast for 40 days and face temptation (Luke 4:1-13). At the end of His ministry He was crucified and He died (Luke 23:26-49); and it took three days before He was resurrected (Luke 24:1-8). Oh and that’s not where it ends. He went back up to heaven, sent us His Spirit and promised to come again (Acts 1:1-11). That was actually a while ago, friends. It’s a process. Process takes time Ecclesiastes 3:1 teaches: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” If you plant a seed today, you can’t expect it to be a tree tomorrow. It takes time to reach maturity, grow and learn new things. Who’s the manager? I happen to believe this is the real key to whether change is lasting or not. Who’s the one managing the process? Is it you? Or are you allowing God to have His way? A little bit later in Ecclesiastes 3 we find this verse: “I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it.” Today I pray with the same confidence as Paul that “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6). Share this with your friends: You might also like: Never miss an article!! (Let me mail it to you)
1 Comment
Bianca
1/10/2020 06:14:11 am
Brilliant! Definitely a necessary read for me! Thanks
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About the blogQueen in Gold is a blog for the feminine heart. I hope to inspire other women to stand up in their God-given identity.
AuthorMy name is Riani.
I love flowers, board games, arty markets, food, music and spring....
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