In this game of life, we all want to do well. You ask any Christian if they want to do the things that God commands, and the answer will almost always be yes. We all intend to witness, pray, study, serve others, and the list goes on. We sit and listen to sermon after sermon. We may even go to an altar and make a commitment to take the next step in our walk toward Christ. Our intentions are good and right. However, it’s not long until our old habits have crept back in. To change any habit, there must be steps put in place, to avoid failure.
First, we must have a desire. A real desire for God will propel us to seek Him. We must seek him with all our heart. Talk to him In prayer, and study, so he can talk to us.
Deuteronomy 4:29 “But from there you will seek the LORD your God and you will find him if you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul.”
Second, we must decide. If we must decide on something, it implies there are options. It is no different with spiritual things. We can pray, or not pray. We can study, or not study. You have a choice, and you must decide which option you will take. Obey God, or disobey God.
Third, we need to determine to keep what we have decided to do. When we tell God we will do something, and we don’t, we have lied to God. It is not hard to have a desire to please God. It is not hard to decide we want to obey him. It is not hard to determine that we will keep the promises we have made to God. However, unless we truly make up our minds, and put into action the things we have determined, we will fail.
Joshua was a man of profound determination. He not only had a desire to serve God, He decided to serve, and then he made a profound statement of determination.
Joshua 24:15 “And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”
This statement let everyone know where Joshua stood. It was not enough for Joshua to “intend” to serve God. He sought God with a determination to follow. Once on the right path, he determined that he and his family would serve the God of Israel.
Where do you stand on your “intentions” to serve God faithfully? How do you stack up on your witnessing, praying, taking a stand for Christ, or being faithful to all services at church? What does it take to get you off track? Determine to take a stand and never waiver. Don’t bring your decisions up for review, because every time you do, there is a 50/50 chance you will make the wrong one.
Intend to be successful in your walk with God!
Amen
Excellent