Search
Blog TOPICAL Index
Follow UPGRADE

   Info about WordGirls

     Member of AWSA

   Info about AWSA

 

Download "Smitten,"                                                                                                                                  Dawn's Marriage Workbook.

 


 

 

 

 

Thursday
Jan102019

Making Good on Good Intentions

Grace Fox wrote nine books. She's well-acquainted with the discipline and perseverance it takes to buckle down and write. She also knows how easy it is to stop at "good intentions." In this New Year UPGRADE, she invites us to examine our new goals and consider how we can "make good" on them.

"You and I—and millions of other women—know it’s easy to begin a new year with good intentions," Grace says. "Following through on them is often a different story."

Following through. Yes, I (Dawn) identify with that. I can't tell you how many times my good intentions ended up being forgotten intentions. But I can choose to change; and so can you!

Grace continues . . .

A traumatic experience helped me understand the importance of making good on my good intentions.

January 11th marks the sixth anniversary of my suffering leg injuries that left me wheelchair-bound for three months. Recovery required surgery, physiotherapy, and a lot of hard work on my part for two years.

I’m embarrassed to admit that my injuries were self-inflicted. As a writer, I sat at my desk for hours every day without getting up to stretch.

Granted, I woke each morning with good intentions. I promised myself that I’d take short exercise breaks, but soon my writing projects absorbed me and I’d think, I’ll take a walk later, after I finish what I’m doing.

Later never came, and I paid the price.

I’m grateful for the wakeup call. It forced me to admit something I knew all along—that good intentions alone won’t bring the benefits of good health.

Living long and strong for Jesus requires action on my part:

  • use my gym membership,
  • eat nutritious foods,
  • track my food intake,
  • practice portion control, and
  • be accountable on a weekly basis to a small group of women walking a similar path.

The same principle holds true for other aspects of life.

Say, for instance, we want to build relationships with our neighbors this year. Our intentions are admirable, but they won’t build friendships unless we take time to talk over the fence, to listen, and to demonstrate kindness.

We may want to grow in our relationship with the Lord over the next twelve months. Our desire is commendable, but it won’t result in spiritual growth unless we create space to study His Word, engage in dialogue with Him, and obey His commands.

Perhaps we intend to become more effective intercessors. This might mean facing our fear of praying aloud in front of other people. We may have to grow willing to pause and to pray right then and there for someone who’s just expressed a concern.

The examples I listed are among my good intentions for this year. Perhaps you’re nodding in agreement because like me, you hope to become more proactive about your health, about relationships with your neighbors, about knowing God more intimately, and about praying for others.

Or maybe your list includes a plethora of totally different ideas. Regardless, here are several prayer-focused points to ponder as you think about your good intentions for 2019.

1. Ask God for FOCUS.

It’s easy to make a list of impressive intentions. Trouble is, sometimes our list is too long or lofty or misses the mark altogether.

Ask the question, “God, what are Your good intentions for me this year? Where do you want me to focus?”

Jeremiah 33:3 promises that He will answer—“Call to me and I will answer you. I’ll tell you marvelous and wonderous things that you could never figure out on your own” (The Message).

2. Ask God for STRENGTH.

Following through on good intentions sometimes demands more emotional or physical strength than we can muster.

The good news is—God promises to strengthen us when we partner with Him to accomplish His purposes for our lives.

Psalm 18:29 has been especially meaningful to me as I continue my wellness journey—“In your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall.”

Sometimes following through on my intention to avoid unhealthy snacks is like fighting a battle, but God’s power at work within me gives me the strength to do the right thing. He’ll do the same for you.

3. Ask God for PERSEVERANCE.

We might think that making good on our good intentions will guarantee instant results.

For instance, extending kindness to a neighbor will automatically open the door to sharing the Gospel with her.

Unfortunately, sometimes our good intentions don’t yield the results we want, but that doesn’t mean we toss them aside. It means we learn to practice perseverance. We choose to hang in there for the long haul, trusting that God is at work even though we don’t see things happening.

Sometimes our good intentions are only the tip of the iceberg, so to speak. We might think we know what God wants to do in and through us but in reality, He’s doing something much deeper, and that takes time.

So, my friend—what’s one of your good intentions for 2019? What actions will you take to make good on it?

Grace Fox is a career missionary, international speaker, and author of nine books. Her latest release is Forever Changed, a Bible study published by First Place 4 Health. Discover more about her ministry here. Purchase her Bible study through First Place 4 Health.

Graphic adapted, courtesy of Ben White at Unsplash.

PrintView Printer Friendly Version

EmailEmail Article to Friend

References (23)

References allow you to track sources for this article, as well as articles that were written in response to this article.

Reader Comments (28)

The Chrome Heart Dress Official website We Are Offering Chrome Hearts hoodies, Shirts, sweatshirts, Jeans,hats, and Much More Free Shipping Worldwide

June 7, 2024 | Unregistered CommenterChrome Hearts Dress

Discover the epitome of style with Supreme Clothing Elevate your wardrobe with our exclusive range of premium apparel. Shop Now with 30% off!

June 7, 2024 | Unregistered CommenterSupreme

Explore Hellstar Official Clothes Store for exclusive Hellstar Clothing Enjoy 20 OFF Free Shipping Embrace the essence of Hellstar style! Shop now!
https://hellstarclothing.co/

June 7, 2024 | Unregistered CommenterHellstar

Hood By Air was launched with the vision of creating clothing that defied traditional gender norms and fashion conventions. Shayne Oliver, the creative force behind the brand, aimed to blend high fashion with street culture, resulting in pieces that are both innovative and wearable. The brand’s unique approach has made it a favorite among celebrities, fashion enthusiasts, and streetwear aficionados alike.

June 7, 2024 | Unregistered Commenterhood by air

The Chrome Heart Dress Official website We Are Offering Chrome Hearts hoodies, Shirts, sweatshirts, Jeans,hats, and Much More Free Shipping Worldwide

June 7, 2024 | Unregistered CommenterChrome Hearts Dress

Immerse yourself in the world of Purple Brand, where style knows no limits and elegance knows no boundaries

June 14, 2024 | Unregistered Commenterpurple brand

This is a great feature for sharing this informative message.I am impressed by the knowledge.Glo Gang

June 27, 2024 | Unregistered CommenterGlo GAng

Upgrade your casual style with our extensive collection of Official Glo Gang Clothing. Find premium hoodies, Shirt, Pant, shorts, jacket, Accessories. Shop now!Glo Gang

June 27, 2024 | Unregistered CommenterGlo GAng

Shop for CDG shirts, hoodies, jackets sweaters from our official comme des garcons store Just go to the shop get 30 discount on every order!

July 3, 2024 | Unregistered Commentershafiq

Elevate your streetwear style with Sp5der. Shop our premium collection of Sp5der Hoodies, Shirts, Sweatpants and Tracksuits for a comfortable, hip look. Crafted with high-quality materials and unique designs, Sp5der defines the new standard in urban fashion.Sp5der

July 15, 2024 | Unregistered Commentersp5der

As I struggled with my coursework, feeling overwhelmed and stuck, Research Prospect Canada appeared like a beacon of hope. With their expert guidance and support, my understanding deepened, and my confidence soared. Thanks to Research Prospect Canada, my academic journey took a turn for the better, leading me towards success.

August 1, 2024 | Unregistered CommenterEllie Cross

The Essentials hoodie is a versatile and timeless wardrobe staple that has become a favorite in many closets.

August 8, 2024 | Unregistered Commenteressentials hoodie

ac repair in dubai
iPurity is an independent commercial & home cleaning service that provides a wide range of cleaning services, from AC to Water Tank Cleaning in Dubai & Abu Dhabi.

August 15, 2024 | Unregistered Commenteripurity

Very well written ...
Well done good Job.
https://syntaxsolutions.pk/
https://syntaxsolutions.pk/about-us/

August 18, 2024 | Unregistered CommenterSynTax Solutions

Discover Yeezy Gap T Shirt Outfit With 30 OFF On All Collection Visit our store for stylish trendy yeezy gap tee shirt Shop Now!
https://kanyeyeezygap.com/

August 26, 2024 | Unregistered Commenteryeezy Gap

It represents the dual nature of the universe—capable of both incredible beauty and unimaginable destruction. As we continue to explore the cosmos and expand our understanding of the universe, the Hellstar remains a symbol of the mysteries and dangers that lie beyond our world. Whether as a harbinger of doom or a cosmic enigma, the Hellstar serves as a reminder of the vastness of the universe and the fragile nature of our existence within it.

August 26, 2024 | Unregistered CommenterHellstar

In a world where fashion trends are constantly changing, having a versatile wardrobe is more important than ever. Hellstar’s collection offers the perfect blend of streetwear and chic fashion, making it easy to stay stylish no matter the occasion. With a focus on quality, comfort, and versatility, Hellstar is a brand that truly stands out in the fashion world.

August 26, 2024 | Unregistered CommenterHellstar

Aimé Leon Dore is a New York-based fashion brand known for its contemporary streetwear, blending classic American style with modern aesthetics. Founded by Teddy Santis in 2014.

August 26, 2024 | Unregistered CommenterAimeleondore

"We are your number one source for all natural blended juices, cleanses & skincare. We're dedicated to giving you the very best of our products, with a focus on health, wellness, accessibility and affordability.
"

October 1, 2024 | Unregistered CommenterHhn Juice

PostPost a New Comment

Enter your information below to add a new comment.

My response is on my own website »
Author Email (optional):
Author URL (optional):
Post:
 
Some HTML allowed: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <code> <em> <i> <strike> <strong>
« Happy Productive New Year | Main | Burning Bush? »