We are coming to the time of year when many people make New Year’s Resolutions. A lot of people will resolve to change something in their life for the better. And change almost always requires giving something up: giving up unhealthy foods we like, giving up comfort to exercise, giving up time to learn a new skill, giving up a bad habit, etc.
It’s hard to give things up. It’s hard to without. We often focus so much on what we need and want, that self-denial is a monumental challenge.
When Jesus and His disciples stopped at a well in Samaria, they were hungry so His disciples went off to find food. While they were gone, Jesus ministered to the Samaritan woman. When the disciples returned, they urged Jesus to eat but He said “I have food to eat that you know nothing about…My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.” (John 4:32,34).
When we are caught up in our own desires, we have lost our focus on the Father’s will.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13). This verse is often taken out of context to mean ‘I can run faster than a speeding bullet and jump over buildings in a single bound.’ But it’s not about being able to do things, but about being able to give up things. The context is Paul talking about how he is content whether or not he has food or possessions. He is saying ‘My focus is Christ and that gives me strength; I don’t need money, or possessions, or even food.’
As we make resolutions to do better and be better, remember that a strong focus on Christ is the only thing that will give you the strength to stay resolved.