New Years Resolutions

New Years resolutions, some of us love those words, and some of us despise those words. 
Let me tell you where I stand with this idea.  First let me explain, whether or not you agree with my views, I am not condemning anyone for your choice. This is just how I see it. And what I hope to accomplish with this blog is to make you think about it and make the best choice or decision for you.
My views on resolutions, I am not a fan. To me it seems as though you are setting yourself up for failure. Face it, every year many of us make those resolutions and we get through a month or so and then we forget all about it. At some point through the year we may recall the resolution we made and wonder why we didn't press on with it, then feel guilty because we failed.
For me, I have chosen not to make any resolutions. I really do not need to add any more to a list of failures. I do not need to infuse myself with that feeling of failure and disappointment into myself. For many it is hard enough to succeed without putting more pressure on one's self. 
I like to call resolutions goals. You may be thinking it is the same thing. Not really. A goal is something we have with no defined limit of time perhaps. It may be for your lifetime. Or it may just be something you'd like to accomplish with no time in mind. A goal is something that if we do not meet it by a certain date, we keep on pressing forward. We do not leave that goal at the curb, but we pick ourselves up and continue pressing on. 
We all have goals in life. They may be work related, family related, church related, and so on. And it may be something just between you and God. No one else knows about it. 
I want to encourage you faithful readers, do not set yourself up for failure. But instead set those goals, and with the help of our Lord Jesus, you can be successful.  It is important to have goals. We want to  improve at our jobs, or being a better friend, or a better spouse. Or how about we want to be better servants for the Lord. There are so many goals we can have. Instead of approaching them like resolutions, in a manner that have a time limit, in a way that sets up up for failure, lets change our approach. 
One of my favorite verses in the Bible is 
Philippians 4:13-
I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me. (HCSB)
The  Amplified Bible puts it this way:
I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.]
The way I see it, when we are seeking the Lord, asking Him to guide us and give us goals, the He will strengthen us and help us be victorious. 
A resolution that hasn't been met means we failed. 
A goal that is on it's way to being met, with the help of our Lord Jesus, means victory. 
When we continue to put God first in our lives, ask Him for guidance, then He will give us a vision and a goal. And that goal may have a different ending then what we thought. 
I am convinced Jesus will let us know in our hearts when we have reached the goal that He has set for us. 
So readers, I'd like to encourage you all, with the help of our Lord Jesus, set those goals. Persevere through the struggles, through the trials, and lean on the strength the Lord gives you. You will be victorious. And it may surprise you what the finish line looks.
Have the hope, faith, and trust in the Lord to meet your needs and desires. He may have something totally different in mind for you. And His ways are always BEST.