Start Where You Are

Whether you are training for a marathon, working on self-control to break a sin cycle, learning a new language, or saving for a trip, you must do one thing to reach your goals: start where you are.

Every December and January, we all hear about the same thing - New Year's resolutions. Some people have one goal, some have five, and some have too many to count. No matter the goal, you can't just expect it to happen immediately or even overnight. That's why it's a "goal". You start with where you are (your location, financial state, the support system you already have or don't have, etc.), and you work from there. You use the resources easily available to you and day by day, step by step, you reach that goal.

Let's apply this to our spiritual relationship with God. No matter how long it's been since you had your big "I need you, God" moment, you're a human- you mess up. Maybe you haven't had that moment yet, and you have no idea what that means, but you are curious (if this is you, go to my homepage and watch the short video about eternal life and how to start a relationship with God). Wherever you are, know this. There is always something to learn, always some area to grow in, and always someone to reach.

Here's my challenge to my fellow believers (and me): assess your relationship with God and your daily life. Pray that God would open up your heart and mind to changes that need to be made. Look at the thing or multiple things He shows you, pray about how He wants you to start this journey with the resources already available to you, and write down practical steps that you can take to reach this goal of yours. Remember, don't worry about not having "the perfect" this or "the ideal" that. Simply allow God to show you how you can grow and learn utilizing the blessings He has already given to you.

One thing that is hardly ever mentioned when discussing New Year's goals is the follow-up - the check-in. After you've made your list of practical steps to take, you must look at them, pray through them, and pull from the Lord's strength to do them daily. You can't simply make a list of steps to take and then stop. You won't ever reach those goals. In order for God to truly transform you, you must practice self-discipline and actually do something.

If you're not a Christian (someone who has an ongoing relationship with God), but you're interested or at least curious to know more, here are a few suggestions you can consider doing. First, go listen to that short video on my homepage. Next, I suggest downloading or looking up on any smart device (I know you at least have access to one since you are reading this) a Bible. There are tons of free Bibles available. Begin reading in a simple-to-read version. The version I highly recommend is NLT (New Living Translation). There are other versions that you may like better, like CSB or NIV. NLT is just my preference. Start reading the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). The Gospels show us Jesus through and through. We learn how He came to earth, what He did and didn't do while here, where He was, why and how He saved us, and how and when He went back to be with His Father. We also learn more in-depth about the Holy Spirit and how vital His role is in our lives. After you read one or two of those, I suggest hopping over to the first book in the Bible, Genesis, where you'll discover how and why you were created, along with how sin entered the world and tons more after that. My last suggestion is to ask questions to God and other wise believers. While there are plenty out there wiser than me, you are welcome to go to my contact page and send me any questions or struggles you may be having. We can discover the answers together and get to know each other in the process.

I highly recommend writing down your prayers, thoughts, and lists. If you are interested in having prompts to think through, be sure to become a member if you are not already to access free resources that are not always available to the public. If you are reading this the day it comes out, I will also be sending a printable PDF journaling prompt sheet through email for all members tomorrow. To access any members-only resources, go to your members drop-down menu and click on "Free PDF".

For access to FREE digital resources, become a member or log in to your already existing account.