Chuck Bridges Blog

It’s that time of year when we are all encouraged (and rightly so) to spend some time thinking about the current STATUS of our lives, contemplating how we can adjust some things and be better in the New Year. For those who are “goal-oriented” it is hard to plan with certainty because everything changes so quickly. There is a part of me that lacks confidence to make any plans for the future because of my past experiences with failed goals. The question that looms large for me is this: “Were my goals based on personal desires instead of God’s intuition?” You see, I am becoming more and more convinced that it is only when God invades our reality with thoughts too mysterious for us to understand that we are able to plan for the future with any degree of accuracy or any hope of fulfillment.

In light of this, for those who are seeking God’s Will for their lives in the New Year, the best advice  I can give you is to WAIT patiently and intentionally for Him to reveal His plan! The problem with this is that those who take the time to set goals and plan ahead are usually plagued with the kind of personality that is not fond of waiting. My impatience is a constant battle in my pursuit of God’s BEST for my life. Isaiah 40:31 still comes to mind when I think about waiting! And, Psalm 46:10 shouts at me to “BE STILL!” In 21st Century rhetoric that means, “slow down, free up your schedule, take time to listen, etc.”

I am convinced that God wants His Followers to become less and less consumed with non-eternal activities so that we can spend more time “WAITING” upon Him! I encourage you to take time to “Look Ahead” into the New Year, seeking the things God wants you to do (and accomplish). And, on the topic of “Waiting” I want to say that this is not something that is “PASSIVE.” Waiting on the Lord is a discipline that involves every activity of our lives! We continue to DO the things He has shown us in His Word while expectantly waiting for Him to give us further instructions.

Years ago I heard Jerry Falwell say this: “God will not reveal His unrevealed Will to us until we are living in obedience to His revealed Will.” To that I say AMEN! Looking Ahead begins with looking back on the past few months and looking within our hearts to honestly evaluate our “standing” with the Lord. As we invite God to once again occupy “First Place” in our hearts, the plans He has for us will become Crystal Clear! (cf. Jeremiah 29:11-13)

Along with my wishes for you and your family to have a Happy New Year, I also wish you a profitable season of goal-setting that is inspired from above!!!