BFIT

"Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord." Lamentations 3:40

I never thought in a million years I'd start with a verse from Lamentations.. But here we are!

Regardless of whether I've read the whole book of Lamentations (I haven't..) it makes a great point: We should examine and test ourselves. Then seek to learn and grow from the past.

Reflection is a key part of the Christian life. Not just to learn from but also to praise God for how good He is! But "Those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it." So ask yourself these practical questions: 

• What are you most proud of this year?
• What was the biggest obstacle or challenge you overcame?
• What good habits propelled you forward?
• What bad habits held you back?
• Who helped you grow the most? How so?
• What prayers did God answer this year?
• What lesson did God teach you this year?
• What kind of person do you want to be in 2022?

Want to grow? Ask yourself tough questions and answer them honestly. 

Take time to reflect but don't stay there!! "Return to the Lord." There's a major difference between learning from the past, and being a prisoner of the past..

Don't fall into the trap of being limited by what's already happened in your life. Look to the past briefly to learn and be reminded of God's provision. But aside from that, the past doesn't serve you much. 

Instead, you should look ahead! Paul puts it this way, "..One thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead.." - Philippians 3:12

What's ahead? The high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Christ in you - today and even more so in the future, until ultimately, you reflect Him perfectly. "For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known." - 1 Corinthians 13:12

God is always moving and He's always making things new. We just need to ask Him for eyes to see Him moving. If God wants to drastically change you these next 12 months, are you willing to be changed?

Ask Him for eyes to see the plans for your life. His plans to prosper and to grow you. Plans for good and not for harm. And plans to make you reflect Jesus more and more.

The future may seem uncertain but you can bank on this fact: "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever." Psalm 23:6

My prayer is that you realize this truth daily and live out of it consistently in the New Year.

Cheers to 2022!

Stay Fit!

Brian