Must ... try ... harder. That's the summary of most of the New Year's resolutions I've ever made. I've mostly treated New Year's resolutions as head decisions to do something better or more intentionally. This relies predominently on will power which is strong in the making of the decision, but not quite so strong in the carrying out of or, particularly, the perseverance of those actions. To be honest, any decision based on my will power was doomed from day one, so why should I bother?
I think I'm missing the point (#storyofmylife). Why do something that relies purely on my own 'resolve'? It's like poking a fire ... it may burn brighter for a while, but it's still going to go out eventually unless you add some more fuel ... maybe even quicker than if you didn't poke it in the first place! Anyway, the practice of making New Year's resolutions seems to have mostly secular origins, so where does that leave us Christians?
If you're a mission worker overwhelmed by the demands on your time and effort, resolving to do more is probably not the answer. Another definition of 'resolution' is 'the act of solving or resolving a problem or dispute'. So what is it that you need solving or resolving? Perhaps your 'resolution' should be to tend to that issue and seek outside input to help or correct it. Most people in full-time Christian work aren't in need of more things to do ... but are nearly always in need of refreshment and often rest, recreation and resources too. If your whole ministry is focused around serving God and helping others, your most neglected needs are probably going to be personal ones. Yes, we know that we are called to 'die to self' and serve God and others ... but if we neglect ourselves to the degree that our service to God and others suffers, then we're most likely being counter-productive.
After a difficult end to 2014, I'm resolving for 2015 to making sure I get the refreshment I need so that I can serve and sustain the ministry God has called me to. And because it's not dependent on my will power, but on external input, it stands a much better chance of success. I just need to pick the right sources.
Part of OSCAR's aim is to help you find such refreshment (along with many of the other things beginning with 're'!). It might be through time out on holiday or retreat, or it might be connecting with someone who can help you through a particular practical, emotional or spiritual issue. It might also be to help you find fellowship through a church or group for mutual support. We are here to help you find whatever you need, and we pray that throughout 2015 God, the ultimate source of refreshment, may renew and strengthen you in your life and service to Him.
