Today and every day, God has a plan for your success! He tells us in His Word that His plans are for good—to prosper you, not to harm you, to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11) As we move forward in life we can't just ask, "God, what are You going to do for me?" Instead, we have to ask, "God, what are we going to do together?"
Yes, God is at work in our lives, but we have to do our part to work with Him if we are going to see the blessings He has for us. Scripture calls it "working out" our salvation. God sets up the plan, but we have to walk it out. He gives us the tools, but we have to use them. The good news is that He isn't going to just hand us the plan and walk away to let us figure it all out on our own. No, He's walking with us every step of the way and empowering us by His love.
Scripture says that His yoke is easy and His burden is light. In other words, His plan is easier and lighter than trying to figure things out on your own! You don't have to worry about how the whole year is going to unfold, you don't even have to worry about how this week is going to unfold; you just have to obey His Word and keep moving forward in peace, joy and love.
Maybe you're facing some difficulties or obstacles today. Maybe this year doesn't feel like a new beginning just yet. Instead of saying, "Lord, why am I in this situation?" say, "Lord, how can I bring You glory in this situation?" When we begin to change our focus and get our eyes off of ourselves and onto to Him, that's when we'll begin to see solutions. That's when we'll begin to see breakthroughs. That's how we work out what He is working in us—by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith!
"Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose." (Philippians 2:12-13, NIV)