Heaven’s Way
Every new year I ask God to give me a word to live by. Some years, He’s whispered “trust”; others, He’s commanded “courage” or has rallied “diligence”. Last year, He told me to “work hard” and, boy, did I! (I’m self-employed, so that’s actually a good thing.)
As 2012 was coming to a close and I meditated on the things I felt God wanted me to focus on during the coming year, He gave me direction instead of a single word. I felt encouraged to seek to do things His way, instead of mine.
I don’t know about you girls, but I’m pretty set on my ways. So the divine direction spoke loudly and abundantly to my soul, and following it – I knew – will require more than a mere desire to acquiesce.
Recognizing that the call to follow His ways is universal, I’d thought I should write a little note of encouragement about it through this blog. So I will start by asking: What does “doing things Heaven’s way” mean to you?
For me, it means honing on those areas I REALLY need to surrender to God. Since I’ve been a Christian for a long time, I’ve developed some good habits: I attend church, pray and read my Bible regularly; I don’t tell lies (except under duress, when asked about my weight, for instance), and I try to be nice.
On the other hand, I am a superb procrastinator; tend to be fearful and lazy, and am not as dependable as I should. Breaking free from these ingrained patterns of behavior is going to take supernatural help (thank God I can count on that!) and a decision to surrender my ways to adopt much higher ones – His.
As we embark on the adventures and challenges 2013 will bring about, would you take a little bit of time to consider what God would want you to hone in this year regarding doing things His way?
Furthermore, would you share with this blogging community what that means or looks like for you?
I look forward to reading your words of encouragement, prayer requests, and other insights and responses you may have.
And my God be with you as you endeavor to do things Heaven’s way!
Ana
I love it!
I am trying to recognize what God is doing and follow Him! (and not just my own good thoughts) 🙂
I am still in the process of writing down a few yearly goals for my personal and family life. It helps me to writh them down.
Very encouraging. I don’t usually mark the new year with resolutions. Usually I just have a good feeling about the possibilities of the year to come. Your suggestion I think is a good one. Maybe I’ll ask God what his specific thoughts are!
I’m with you, Ana. I feel like God wants me to keep Him my priority in all things at all times. I definitely feel like I need to be more positive about life. I struggle with negativity and pride. I will be working on these the most this new year. Thanks for sharing.
What a great blog. I believe that God’s way for me right now is focused on my family. Last year I haven’t really been present for my family as I should be. I’ve been here, but I really haven’t. My focus is always elsewhere. But with His gentle reminder, I can adjust <3
Thanks, Ana!