Slideshow image

“For by grace you have been saved through faith… not as a result of works… For we are His workmanship…” Epheisans 2:8–10

What do you think about New Year’s resolutions?

Personally, I don't think in terms of lasting change coming through individual commitments or greater personal discipline. Don't take me wrong, there is an element of introspection and realization that is helpful. However, relationship is always better than isolation in accomplishing growth that continues.

This is especially true in the spiritual life. Practices like daily Scripture reading, a deeper focus on prayer, or entering a season of fasting are often labeled as “resolutions,” but a better understanding that brings long-lasting change is to view these commitments as responses made to relationship. They are not simply self-selected strategies for improvement, nor are they driven by what seems most efficient or personally beneficial for the year ahead. Instead, they are responses that are a result of relationship with God and are shaped by the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit.

Scripture teaches that spiritual growth is not a work of oneself. It is a work of the Spirit who convicts, guides, and draws us toward what is good and life-giving (2nd Corinthians 3:18). When a believer is stirred toward alignment with God’s Word or renews their commitments towards Christ’s commands, it is not accidental. These promptings come from the indwelling Holy Spirit of God who is working at forming our hearts and preparing us for deeper dependence on Him.

Last year, mid-year, the Lord was leading me to focus on a deeper, more robust prayer life. By early October, it was clear that this would be one of my 2026 New Year Responses. One might ask, “If God had been leading in this direction, why wait until now?” God has been showing me in recent years that the way He typically works in me is patient and steady growth through seasons of life rather than the mouth to a fire hose approach—all at once. At the time God was teaching and growing me in the area of forgiveness and reconciliation. God’s timing is purposeful. What He plants months—or even years—earlier often comes to bear fruit when the heart is ready to respond. This strategy of growth doesn’t mean that the Father is frustrated with my slow pace; it means God is inviting greater depth in the present moment. And by the way, it's not that I haven't been praying… it's that the Lord is moving me to a different commitment to prayer for this year.

Fasting is a personal discipline that fits this pattern. For many years, I wasn’t sure if the Lord was calling me to practice this or if it was an “extreme” activity that would be more of an accomplishment rather than a response to His leading. I would fast a day here or a day there but never to the degree that I do now. Like prayer and Scripture reading, fasting is learned gradually and practiced imperfectly, but it can become a meaningful way God forms humility and trust within His people.

As you begin this new year, maybe the better question to ask is not, “What should I change?” but rather, “How might God be inviting me to grow?” Spiritual disciplines are not about our resolutions to make our lives better; they should be responses to our relationship with an inviting God. And growth, when rooted in God’s initiative rather than our own work, becomes less about pressure leading to potential failure and more about responding to His help to overcome.

If fasting or other spiritual disciplines are areas you are exploring, feel free to reach out. There are helpful resources and shared wisdom that can encourage you along the way. Above all, create circles of prayer for yourself: brothers and/or sisters in Christ who can pray for you and you for them as evidence of God’s strategy at work in you.

__________________________

P.S. A resource I discovered a couple of years ago—and one that has become a real encouragement in my daily walk—is a free email subscription called The Pour Over.

Like many, I’ve often struggled with confidence when engaging the news. I’ve wanted a source that reports what’s happening without heavy commentary or a clear agenda—one that allows space to process events thoughtfully through a biblical lens rather than someone else’s political or ideological filter.

If that resonates with you, I’d encourage you to take a look at The Pour Over. One thing I really appreciate with this outlet is that each article ends with a brief biblical reflection, helping reinforce scriptural principles as we consider current events. Their recent piece on the capture of Maduro is a good example of this approach and a reminder of how faith can shape the way we engage the world around us.

From the ABOUT US portion on the The Pour Over website: “Our Christian commentary is brief and foundational, repeatedly highlighting God’s character and reinforcing four fundamental Christian principles we’ve found to be common pitfalls in our own lives (Perspective, Openness to Correction, Unconditional Love, Response). We have no denominational affiliation and seek to be a resource for the whole Church.

Lean in and look up! Life is good in Jesus.