Succeed in 2011

By Kaitlyn Rawlings

After another year has come and gone, how many of us will take the time to reflect on this past year, and what is yet to come? Many will set New Year’s resolutions, but how many will purpose to fulfill them in the coming year?

Whether or not it seems your year has disappeared quickly or has taken its dear, sweet time to pass, from Scripture we know that life is but a vapor. James 4:13-15 (NKJV) tells us, "Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit;' whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, 'If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.’” How, then, can we make the most of our time—namely, for students, our study time?

The Bible is replete with Scriptures concerning success in Christ. The first step in making the most of 2011 begins with recognizing who we are in Him. Jesus says, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). Without Christ as our anchor, we are adrift and without direction; but with Christ leading our lives, we will bear much fruit. Motivation to achieve goals comes from realizing why we must achieve them. If we are working for our own glory, we have no true motivation to achieve anything. We may have enthusiasm in the beginning, but it will fade with time. The solution is found in Colossians 3:23, which says, “Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.”

Most believers are familiar with the verse Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Empowered by Christ dwelling within us, we have nothing to fear! But how can we maintain motivation to achieve our goals, such as setting good study habits?

A study by Norcross, Mrykalo, and Blagys (2002) reveals 40 to 50% of American adults make one or more New Year's resolutions each year; yet after six months of maintaining their resolutions, 46% of Americans either lose heart and give up or forget their resolution and lapse back into former habits. After all, old habits die hard. But as Christians, we have all the motivation we need to succeed if Jesus dwells in us. Therefore, “Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1b-2).

As you reflect on the past year and prepare for a new one, remember Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. Our motivation to succeed in all we do depends upon our relationship with Him and our willingness to do all for His glory. Whatever you ask in His name, that will He do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son (John 14:13-14).

Author Kaitlyn Rawlings Kaitlyn is from northern Kentucky and is currently seeking a literary agent to represent her young adult fantasy fiction manuscript When Four Stars Fell. For more information, visit her website at http://thelastworldcalls.blogspot.com or Like Kaitlyn O. Rawlings on Facebook. Kaitlyn is also currently finishing her Bachelor’s degree in English through Thomas Edison State College. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, acting, and guest speaking.

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1 comment so far - Leave a comment below

Miss Rawlings-
I have found a self publishing group called Morris Publishing. Another young author named Victoria Kasten has published though them, I believe no literary agent is need...if you haven't found one yet, that is. (great article!)

— Riley Jo Wednesday, January 12, 2011 6:11 PM CST

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