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By Pastor Todd Fletcher

 

Did you set any New Year’s resolutions this year? If so, how’s that going? Some of you may still be moving forward with a full head of steam. If that’s you, then good job, keep going! On the other hand, many of us have already dropped the ball only a couple of weeks in. About this time every year we’re reminded just how difficult change can be. But before you get discouraged, I want to encourage you to do something few would say. Stop and look back for a minute. 

I know, I know, everyone says you’ll get nowhere looking over your shoulder all the time. And I would agree. However, an occasional glance in the rearview mirror is helpful not only when driving but also in life. 

We see an example of this in the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Ephesian Church. In Ephesians 2:1-2a he tells them, “And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked.” Here, Paul is reminding the Ephesian Christians to look back and remember how far they had come since Christ had saved them. 

At one time, they had been dead in their trespasses and sins. But when God, who is rich in mercy, bestowed great His mercy upon them through the finished work of Christ, they were made alive through His sacrifice and victory over the grave on their behalf. Now, because of what Christ had accomplished for them, they were no longer who they once were; they had been changed by the power of God! Paul, of all people, understood this reality in his own life.

Before he was the great apostle we know him as today, Paul had been a far different man. Though he was religious, he had rejected God’s Messiah, Jesus. Not only had he rejected Him, but he had also made it his life’s goal to stamp out all of the followers of the way and put an end to the teachings of Christ. But one day, God met him on his way to persecute the brethren, and all that changed. This man who had once so hated the Church became one of its greatest evangelists. Of all people, Paul knew the value of looking back and remembering how far he had come, and he was encouraging the Ephesian Christians to do the same.

Though our stories may not be as spectacular as Paul’s, in one sense, this is the story of every blood-bought child of God. If you have placed your faith in the finished work of Christ for your salvation, then you too are no longer who you once were; you have been changed.

So, if you find yourself looking at yet another new year with unfulfilled promises made to yourself, don’t be discouraged. Look back and see how far you have come. Remember what Christ has done and be reenergized to live for Him in this new year. Will you fail from time to time? Sure, we all do. But by the power of Christ who lives in you, you can dust yourself off and move forward for the sake of the One who gave it all for you. Just don’t give up! Look back and remember what all He’s done.