Weekly Inspiration - Commit to the Lord Whatever You Do in 2011...and Your Plans Will Succeed!

Commit to the Lord Whatever You Do in 2011...and Your Plans Will Succeed!
 by Kendall Valenzuela

A new year is dawning, and the Christmas rush is through. It is time
to start packing away the boxes of garland, unused wrapping paper
rolls and lights, and to turn our focus towards 2011.

Almost everyone I know begins a new year with a list of resolutions
for things they hope to change, accomplish or improve. A new year
signifies a fresh start and a new beginning. We obtain a brand new
calendar, flipping through and temporarily admiring the twelve empty
pages; for the time being, these calendar pages are clear from any
activities, commitments or obligations which customarily beckon and
clamor for our time and attention.

For many people, their "resolution list" begins automatically with
plans to change diet habits and their physical fitness regime. Have you
ever paid a visit to your local gym in the beginning of January? It is
typically packed with newcomers, all dressed like the first day of school
in their crisp white running shoes and colorfully coordinating gym attire!
If you go back to that same gym in mid-February or March, the number of
patrons will have significantly "thinned out." (Yes...the pun was intended.) ;)
Many of these newcomers lose interest in exercise, and their initial resolve
& determination to get in better shape for the new year wanes.  For others,
the resolution topping their list has to do with establishing new
financial goals, in an effort to save more money and to spend less.

Some people actually succeed in accomplishing their new year's
resolutions. They seem to have been blessed with an "extra measure" of
will power, stamina, determination and follow through. Unfortunately,
I am not one of those lucky ones!

No matter how good and sincere my intentions are to make changes for
the better in a new year, I always seem to fall short of reaching my
goals. My self-proclaimed "ADD" kicks in to high gear, and I typically
lose interest and focus of my resolutions within just a week or two.
Another problem I have, is that I often over commit and "under
pray" in regard to my life's activities, unwittingly setting myself up
for failure.  I know that I am not in this boat alone. Perhaps you can
relate, or know of someone whom can?

I think one of the most important factors, which many of us fail to
consistantly do, is to PRAY about the changes that we wish to see take
place in our lives, and to earnestly seek the Lord's will, guidance
and assistance BEFORE we act. So often, we make commitments with our
time and resources, and set personal goals, without really asking God if our
endeavors are what He desires of us. We pack our calendars with
activities, and dedicate ourselves to tasks and new year's resolutions
(albeit many of which are noble, healthy and worthwhile causes), without
consulting the One whom knows us better than we know ourselves!

Seeing how God is omnipotent, and already can tell what our future holds
for each day in 2011...doesn't it make sense to consult Him in prayer
before committing ourselves to any tasks or resolutions in the new
year? In 1 John 5:14-15 it states: "This is the confidence we 
have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his 
will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us―whatever we ask―we 
know that we have what we asked of him." In Proverbs 16:3, it also
says: "Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed."

So, here is your charge for the new year, my friends...Approach the
Lord with your 2011 calendar in hand. Pray earnestly, and seek His will,
prior to writing out your list of resolutions, and before you commit to undertaking
any new tasks. Spend time praying about how God wants to use your talents,
time and resources in the new year. If you have preconceived ideas
about items you wish to change or areas in which you wish to
grow...be sure to bring those before the Lord in prayer.

If you have a journal, write down your thoughts and ask the Lord to give you a
scripture verse to apply as your motto for 2011! His word is full of truth and wisdom. Delve in, and see how God leads and guides your path. He will speak to your heart, and direct your footsteps, when you commit to earnestly seek Him.

May the Lord richly bless each of your endeavors in the year ahead. Remember to commit your plans to Him daily, and they will succeed. Best wishes...and I pray you will have a happy, healthy, joy-filled and prosperous New Year!