It’s that time again! It’s time to make a resolution. It’s time to resolve an issue that needs to be settled once and for all. We make resolutions on New Year’s Day because it is time for a new beginning. It is time for change. Change always demands that you exercise your will.
God has given each of us an incredible gift: the power of choice. My friend Joe Langworthy says, “Basically, there are two reasons why people don’t change. The answer is either, I can’t or I won’t.” If the answer is I can’t, the problem is ignorance and education will correct the problem. If the answer is I won’t, the problem is stubbornness or laziness and it will take pain and discipline to correct the problem. Will power supplies the inner strength and stamina to either change or cope with any situation. Jesus exercised and demonstrated will power when He went to the cross.
John 5:30
Jesus said, “I will not seek My own will, but the will of the Father which has sent Me.”
Practical Application and Assignments:
There is nothing wrong with a strong will. It just has to be channeled in the right direction. Will power is the force behind the determination that drives you to make things happen. Concentrate your will power on the things you can change.
- Make a list of the changes you can make that will produce positive results and rewards. For example, physically, you can improve your cardiovascular condition with proper nutrition, exercise, adequate rest, and the elimination of destructive habits and addictions.
- Develop a support system. Get a coach or accountability partner for spiritual or emotional reinforcement when your will has lost its power. If you think you can’t, you’re right. Start confessing, “I can” and keep repeating it until you believe it.
“The world passes away, and the lust thereof: but he who does the will of God abides forever.” I John 2:17
