Words of Wisdom For the New Year: Dr. Dan Schafer
How to Break Free in the New Year
But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.
-Psalm 33:11
Each new year offers fresh possibilities. Often, we try to seize them through sheer determination, vowing to bootstrap ourselves into greater effectiveness or achieve new levels of holiness by redoubling our own human efforts. That's a waste of time. Our own effort will only produce more of the same results. To break free in the coming year, you'll need something more than willpower. You'll need to listen closely to the Lord, and look clearly at your ministry context.
Listen to the Lord
Scripture never promises that whatever you want will be accomplished. It's God's will that shall be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Avoid the subtle temptation to wrap your own vision in a cloak of spirituality. That will mean spending time alone with God, listening to Scripture, seeking the Spirit.
Open a new channel for God to speak through. Spend time before the Lord with an open heart and a blank sheet of paper. Listen.
Look at the Field
"Look around you," Jesus said, "and see how the fields are ripe for harvesting" (John 4:35). Often, we don't see what's right in front of us. If you have been in your current place of service for an extended period of time, you may need to take a fresh look at the fields around you. Who are the people? What are their needs? What opportunities have you missed? Seeing the field with fresh eyes will renew your energy.
Be filled with the Holy Spirit
What can you do to see your ministry context from a fresh perspective? Travel different roads. Speak with new people. Look, and listen. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill your life to overflowing and sanctify you wholly.
God can do more in you and through you this year in more ways than you have thought possible. Step into this next season with renewed faith.
PRAYER: Lord, enable me to hear your voice and understand your vision for my life and my ministry. Amen.
THINK ABOUT THIS: Name one thing you can do today that will open a new channel through which God can speak to you.
