We tend to think of the New Year as a time for a clean slate.
We make resolutions and all too quickly abandon them.
Some of this can be attributed to our human nature.
Some can also be attributed to our focus.
Asking what we should do for ourselves is one thing.
Asking God what He desires of us and our service to others
is another.
The opening of the very first Psalm provides us with some
valuable insight.
Psalm 1:1-3 (NET) - How blessed is the one who does not follow the
advice of the wicked, or stand in the pathway with sinners, or sit in the assembly of
scoffers! Instead he finds pleasure in obeying the LORD’s commands; he
meditates on his commands day and night. He is like a tree planted by flowing streams; it yields its fruit at
the proper time, and its leaves never fall off. He succeeds in everything he attempts.
Notice the Psalmist’s words that “it yields its fruit at the
proper time”.
This reminds us that it even when our focus is on His will we
might not necessarily see results right away.
This is something we struggle with as impatient human
beings.
Examine those who followed Jesus throughout His life.
They eventually became powerful witnesses.
But this did not happen right away.
The opening of the book of Acts reminds us of what
transpired between the resurrection of Jesus and His ascension.
Over the course of forty days, Jesus appeared to the
apostles many times.
He offered them proof that He had conquered death.
He gave them very specific instructions.
He also promised them what was still to come.
Acts 1:4-5 (NET) - While he was with them, he declared, “Do not leave
Jerusalem, but wait there for what my Father promised, which you heard about
from me. For John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy
Spirit not many days from now.”
The apostles then asked if this was the time that God would
restore the kingdom to Israel.
Jesus reminded them that timing rested solely in God’s
hands.
He also told them of what was to be theirs.
Acts 1:8 (NET) - But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has
come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and
Samaria, and to the farthest parts of the earth.”
Jesus then ascended into Heaven.
Those who followed Jesus went into hiding after his
crucifixion.
They feared for their very lives.
Once Jesus ascended into Heaven, they found themselves alone
once more.
But now they had a new promise.
A promise that was dependent on God’s timing instead of their
own.
This was realized on the Day of Pentecost when the Holy
Spirit descended upon each one.
Only then would they become powerful witnesses.
If you have made a resolution and failed to keep it, don’t
feel bad.
Focus on God and trust in His timing.
Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on
Friday, January 13, 2017.
I’ll be back here on Friday, January 20, 2016
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