Something about transitioning to a new year drives people to reflect on the past and ponder ways to improve the future. We see it each, and every year as people like you and me examine the prior year. And, people personally inspect their health fitness, and well-being levels and make plans for personal growth for the upcoming year. What typically happens next, though, can be rather disappointing. We start strong with the momentum of transition and ride the high of new habits and routines. But it doesn’t take long before old patterns and familiar habits can return. Things get in our way, or so we think, we look around and we see the world going by and we just slowly might be discouraged and give up on all new goals for ourselves. Then that discouragement can cause us to fail to meet our goals, keep our promises, or honor our commitments. Change can begin to seem futile. This is a dangerous mindset for the believer. When we doubt that change is possible, we can grow cynical. Our cynicism can breed hopelessness about our situations and whether others will ever be capable of making the greatest change–turning from their sin and following Jesus.
We seem to fall prey to a lie that true and lasting change depends only on our ability, convincing ourselves we aren’t capable. Have you ever been there? This is why I have so much love for Peter’s words from our key verse. Peter lived the reality of this human experience, this tension of desiring change and wanting to live a fruitful life but not quite hitting the mark. To put it the way Jesus said in another reminder to our friend Peter, our spirits are willing, but our flesh is oh so weak (Matthew 26:41). Peter was this headstrong disciple who was utterly convinced he was going to prevent Christ from being crucified (Matthew 16:22).
Jesus, coincidentally, called him Satan and rebuked him for this (Matthew 16:23). He was also the disciple who claimed to Jesus that if everyone else abandoned him, he would be willing to go to prison and die for him (Luke 22:33). Still not quite understanding Jesus’ plan for salvation in an ill-fitting attempt to protect Jesus, Peter sliced off the ear of one of the High Priest’s servants (John 18:10). Finally, as Christ was taken to be crucified, just as he said he would never do, Peter denied knowing Jesus three times (Luke 22:57-60). But, we see from his writings in 2 Peter that people can change. Peter finally acknowledged and accepted that the power to change and live anything that remotely resembles a Christ-like life comes from God’s divine power, not our own. And we need that reminder as we seek to make changes in the new year, too. Our strength, grit, and sheer will won’t be enough to make lasting changes. God has given us everything we need to live a changed life, a life that is pleasing to Him. And we received this by coming to know Him. By the power of the Holy Spirit, change, true change that brings glory to God, is possible.
Thank you for sharing. My number one goal each year and each day is to be right with God and to strive to be closer to Him. If I can lead just one person to Christ just by being an example that would be great.
Lisa, well said!
Whatever I need or try to do can only be done with strength from God, when I put on the whole armor of God I can do what I set out to do.
Cheryl, Amen
Thank you so much! As always this is what I needed to hear.
Debra, I am glad
My “go-to” scripture, most of the time. Philippians 4:13. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. When we did a study on Peter, years ago, it was very eye opening. Thank you for sharing these words and scriptures. We learned he was crucified upside down because he told them he wasn’t worthy to be crucified as Jesus was.
Mary, well said
Thank you for this beautiful reminder Debbie, that we can’t do things in our own strength but only in God’s strength. Today is my 12th anniversary of quitting smoking & I am grateful to God every day for this blessing. I couldn’t do it on my own, I had tried multiple times. And I couldn’t stay quit on my own either, I know that too! Only God! I have other changes that I need to make for my health like exercise & better eating & I am not able to do those things on my own either or maintain them. Your message today is exactly what I needed to hear! I pray that you are feeling & sleeping better from the illness that you’ve been fighting 🙏 God bless you & your family ❤
Lisa, well said, all things big and small we need God for. We need His direction and He strength. Alone we are powerless.
Such inspiring words, Debbie! Only through God’s mercy and grace can we change.❤️
Susan,Amen
Thank you for sharing this most important information and message about Gods power and the importance of change. We all need God in our lives and His guidance and love.
Yu have such a way with words and they are perfectly spoken. God be with us all. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
Elaine, God bless you.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with us, Debbie. God Bless you.
Laurie, (((hugs)))
Thank you for this wonderful reminder of God’s love for us!
Mary, you’re most welcome
So well said, Debbie. I need that reminder that I can’t do it on my own through sheer willpower, but only through God’s help.
Carolyn, we can’t I tried for years thinking I could do it my way, well I can not.. Once we acknowledge that and understand that God is the truth the way and the life, were on the right track.God bless,my friend
Debbie,
This is a beautiful reminder of God’s power. Thank you!
Vonnie, I love your spirit my friend. Your kindness can be felt in your words.