Waves Crash

Written by Dewald Pretorius

It is a new year and with it there are new waves of opportunities crashing on the shore. It is easy to look back at the past two years and be consumed by the negativity that the world has brought to the forefront. However, this is not what God has called us into.

“Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable – if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy – dwell on these things.” (Phil 4:8, CSB)

For 2022 I invite you to set some time apart and commit your ways this year to the Lord. Ask Him what His desires are for you for this year. Instead of trying to sell your will to Him, wholeheartedly seek His will in everything you pursue this year. This might mean addressing some bad habits or spending less time with those that negatively impact your character. Alternatively, this might mean answering the call into new ventures and new relationships even if it makes you anxious.

EXCELLENT! Chase the thrill of the adventure God has laid before you instead of the unfulfilling adventures the world calls you to.

“For I know the plans I have for you”—this is the Lord’s declaration—“plans for your well-being, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jr 29:11, CSB)

If you want this to be an amazing year, then you will have to lay down the desires of the flesh and pick up your cross. This means worry about things outside of your control, binge drinking (yes college kids that includes your drinking games), unhealthy relationships, chasing parties, chasing the thrills of this world, your pride, your selfishness, your doubts, your unbelief, your insecurities, your hurt and whatever else is holding you back in life. You cannot accept life to the full if you are still a slave to those things that lead you into a life of selfishness, pridefulness and self-destruction.

“Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matt 16:24-26, NKJV)

The take-aways for this session are:
• Focus on that which is good and lovely. It will take time but allow the Holy Spirit to renew your    mind.
• Spend some time with God to hear what His plans are for you and your family for this year.
• Chase God’s adventure not the worlds distorted version of adventure.
• The plans for a future and hope have already been paved in front of you.
• What do you need to lay down this year in order to walk in step with Christ?
• Two resources I would recommend to further delve into this topic is firstly the message series   Better Decision, Fewer Regrets presented by Andy Stanley, secondly for the men I would           recommend the book Wild At Heart by John Eldredge.

If you want to engage a bit more with the Waypoint family join us for our weekly podcast, Waypoint Connect where we talk to people about real-life stories through the lens of faith. You can catch us live Thursdays on Facebook or go listen to previous episodes on the Waypoint app or Waypoint Youtube channel.
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