Where’s your hope?

This past Wednesday we talked about where our hope lies. Yes, there was a lot that happened in 2020, and many feel like it took so much from them. Like they missed out on so much. Like if only 2020 didn’t happen, I could have done so much more. Here is the thing. . .2020 happened, and there is nothing we can do about it. Hopefully we learned a lot and grew from it, but some of us are STUCK. We keep looking back at 2020 and we’re constantly reminding ourselves of the negative. Some of us made new year’s resolutions and some of us set goals. Even though some resolutions are spirit-minded or having to do with your spiritual growth, most resolutions fizzle. The stats are stacked against us when studies show that about 80% of resolutions fail. This is why asking yourself these 3 questions daily might be a better way to help you focus on what really matters.

1. What is my greatest ambition in life?

Another way to phrase this could be, what is my purpose today? And hopefully as believers, we can wake up to refocus our mind and our thoughts on Jesus. We have been created for a purpose. What will you make first priority daily?

2. How is the enemy trying to take me out today?

As followers of Christ, we have 3 common enemies. The devil, the world, and our flesh. Satan wants to stop you from doing anything godly, anything that will bring you closer to Christ. So he will bring opposition. The world is constantly trying to influence you to become more like it. What do you spend your time watching? What is it that you’re listening to? At school, at work are you being an influence, or are you the one being influenced? And your flesh. The thing you are constantly battling. The thing that makes you clumsy when it comes to sin. The thing that delights in you doing whatever you want. These 3 things are constantly fighting for your attention. It should be no surprise to you to know that these enemies are trying to take you out. What are you doing to avoid that?

3. What will I do to enjoy God more today?

Spiritual growth is not one size fits all. There is no secret formula you can copy and paste that can guarantee your growth. We are all different and have a different relationship with our Father. Some of us can go on hikes and that is where we have the most intimate conversations with God. For some, spending time in the Word comes easy. Sing your lungs out to a worship song on Spotify or YouTube. Do what works for you. Find something that helps you enjoy God more.

We read through John 10 about the good shepherd. We can delight in God knowing he is our hope. When every other thing we hope in fails, He doesn’t. All in all, lets move forward.