Hang in there!

How?s it going with keeping those resolutions you made on New Year?s Eve? Many people didn?t even make any, but for those who did, a good proportion have already laid them aside, maybe even forgotten about the promises they made to themselves to better some aspect of their lives. Kudos to those who are hanging in there, working to improve yourself or some circumstance in your life.

Those who are succeeding in those new resolves probably have realized that in order to do so, they had to set an old habit aside, or an old way of thinking and acting. The first people that Jesus called to follow him as disciples laid the tools of their livelihood, their fishing nets, aside, letting this amazing teacher, miracle-worker and leader take center stage in their lives. In addition they had to begin to replace old traditions and patterns of life as Jesus taught them new ideas about how God would have us all live.

Followers of Jesus today have to follow the early disciples? example by turning away from our old ways and our old ideas to put God?s word in the center of our thinking and feeling and acting. It?s a constant challenge in which we become aware of fears and stumbling blocks that could cause us to stop our efforts and take some other easier path. We sometimes want to hold on to mindsets and stuff that will bog us down. But our Savior offers encouragement and hope as we proceed toward the promise of a better life, not only for ourselves, but for the world around us as well.

Hang in there!