New Year, New Me?
- Journey To Promise
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
New Year Resolutions and Failed Plans
I'm pretty sure that we all have made our New Year resolutions and goals, but how many of us are truly willing to take them seriously this year? If you're anything like me, each year, somehow along the way, you've lost sight of some of those resolutions and forgotten to be disciplined enough to follow through. However, I believe that this time, it will be different for each and every one of you who is reading this post, including myself. That is, if we all take the time to intentionally reflect and submit our plans to God.
After a series of events in this previous year, my life has changed unexpectedly, but in a good way. At first, it didn't feel good, but in the end, I was able to look back and say that I actually learned so much and it was for my benefit so that I could grow in a place of discomfort.
In the last six months of 2025, I went through a time of what I believe to be a divine interruption from God. The things I had personally planned for my life did not go how I expected them to. None of my own plans were falling through!
The Bible says,
"You can make many plans, but the LORD’s purpose will prevail."
(Proverbs 19:21 NLT)
It left me in a state where I felt like I bore no fruit or progress. It was as if I was at a standstill in my life. It literally felt like six months of my life went to waste. Granted, there were still areas where I could have done better, but that's where I've learned to lean on God's grace and mercy and not condemn myself. Why? Because when you know better you do better with the help of the Holy Spirit.
After pondering on the things that God has taught me in these last few months, I realize that my growth was progressive, even in the midst of frustration, rejection, uncertainty, and failed plans.
What's the Remedy to Failed Plans?
I believe that the remedy to failed plans is engaging in deep, authentic reflection and submitting your plans to the Lord so that you can receive new direction.
"Commit your works to the LORD [submit and trust them to Him], And your plans will succeed [if you respond to His will and guidance]."
(Proverbs 16:3 AMP)
Being totally honest, before I walked into this previous time of discomfort, I didn't practice committing my plans to the Lord wholeheartedly. God in His infinite love for me intervened in my situation by showing me that His plan superseded every plan that I "thought" was His will. What felt like a long time of discomfort was God realigning me and inviting me to trust Him deeper. After this experience, I now trust God more to be the director of my plans.
The Danger of Following One's Own Plan: Destruction
"There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death."
(Proverbs 16:25 NKJV)
Sometimes, our plans may seem right in our own eyes, but if not committed to God, it could lead to repetitive failure, stepping outside of God's will, and disappointment.
10 Lessons that 2025 has Taught Me
To end, here are 10 major things that I learned in 2025 and have been reflecting on to lead me into this new year with confidence and wisdom.
This year, be okay with God interrupting your plans.
Whatever God has entrusted you with, whether a job, talent, your money, etc., steward it with excellence.
True success takes patience, commitment, and discipline.
There will never be a perfect time to start something, so start now.
Remind yourself that you have a great work to accomplish and the cost is too heavy to give in to distractions.
Don't take on burdens that you were never meant to carry.
God is DEEPLY invested in the condition of our hearts and souls.
God will meet you in the middle of your mess and give you an on-time word to course correct.
God is always there with you in every season of your life, even when you can't see the full picture or trace His hand.
Don't extensively grieve the "what ifs" of past seasons where there were mistakes, failures, and mismanagement of time, talents, and resources.
My prayer for you all is that you would take what you've learned in 2025, reflect and seek the wise counsel of the Lord to do and be better. Ultimately, the only person we're seeking to please is God. Our only competition is not with the next person, but with our own selves to be in a better state and condition than we were before.
There was a certain point in time where I didn't like the saying, "New year, new me". I don't know about you, but this year I'm seeking to be new! For real this time.
It takes a journey to get to the promise!
Say this prayer:
God, thank You for allowing me to see a new year. It is a blessing to be alive and well! This year, may I experience Your perfect will for me as I commit my plans to You. Guide me step by step to all that You desire for me to accomplish and correct me if I ever drift away from Your will and into my own understanding. Cover me, protect me, and lead me into this year with a fresh commitment to be faithful and to walk in excellence. In Jesus name I pray, amen.
Want to rededicate or give your life to Christ? Click here to view the salvation prayer on our resources page.
Comments