This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him. 1 John 5:14-15 NAS

Happy New Year! This is always the time of year when people ask, “Did you make any New Year’s resolutions?” Up until recently, I have always been more of a “goals” kind of girl than a resolution-maker. The great thing about goals is that they can be reached and usually marked off a list or moved to a maintenance mode. I see resolutions as life-long foundational decisions that are standing-stone moments that change the way you live and look at life. Losing 15 pounds is not a resolution, living a healthy lifestyle of healthy foods, properly proportioned, along with regular exercise is a resolution. By definition, a resolution is, “a firm decision to do or not to do something.” Sadly, statistics show that few New Year’s resolutions are ever “firm.”

The victory comes from the intention behind the goal or resolution. Much attention is given to Daniel in Bible studies and books because he “resolved, or made up his mind” (depending on your translation) that he would not defile himself with the king’s choice of food or with the wine which he drank; so he sought permission from the commander of the officials that he might not defile himself. I believe the resolution happened much earlier in Daniel’s life. Daniel was among the youth brought into captivity and chosen to serve the king. Look at how these youth are described:

Daniel 1:4 “…youths in whom was no defect, who were good-looking, showing intelligence in every branch of wisdom, endowed with understanding and discerning knowledge, and who had ability for serving in the king’s court”

One does not become smart, wise, and healthy as a youth without some sort of early resolve. Daniel was continuing his determined lifestyle based on his commitment to God despite captivity; it was not a new decision.

We should first ask God what His plan is for our life and the path that we should take to follow His plan. We should base our resolutions on His Word; there are many clear Scriptures about how we should conduct our everyday lives. If God says, “Don’t,” then we do not need to stop and pray and ask if we should stop doing it. Commitments based on glorifying, obeying, and delighting God make the best resolutions, because then they become God’s battle too. Your focus becomes Him and not the task or even the temptation. Faith strengthens us as we pray through the hard days and the Spirit motivates us with a higher calling and bigger vision.

Think about your resolutions or goals for this year or your lifetime. What is important enough to you? Why is it important? Would you be willing to exchange your habits and comforts to conform to the character of Christ? Do you realize that the Spirit takes the responsibility of your change if you exchange the focus of your gain? Every time you forfeit something of this world for something eternal, glory is gained and you are changed.

Take a look at your resolutions, or if you did not make any, think about something you would like to see happen in your life and pray about how they could be used to glorify God. Ask Him to show you His “greater calling.” Focus on the eternal picture and let Christ lead you to victory.

Lord, give us the confidence to know that anything that is resolved in Your will, will be fulfilled.

Copyright Kathy Branzell.

Kathy has a heart for encouraging Christian educators and currently serves as the President of the National Day of Prayer Task Force. Prior to this role, she was the founder and president of Fellowship and Christian Encouragement (FACE) for Educators.