Devotionals for the Heart: A Different Kind of New Year's Resolution

New Year, New You
A devotional by Mirachelle Canada

“Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” – 2 Corinthians 5:20 (ESV)

"What is your New Year’s resolution?"

The dreaded question plagues us all. I have stopped answering this question. In the past it has been the about the predictable things: lose weight, eat better, exercise, read my bible more, spend more time with God, etc. Some things have come to pass, but I’ll admit I’ve never stuck to a consistent exercise routine; I start strong and petter out after a few weeks. But I have taken to reading my Bible pretty more and seeking out more time to spend with God. This sounds like it should suffice but it doesn’t. Something in me knows there is more to be, something more to do.

Scripture tells us to go into all the world and spread the gospel (Mark 16:15). This is much more than being resolved to do better, be better, act better, or even think better. It is more than a starting fresh at the beginning of a new year. But it can also feel like an overwhelming task when the rest of the world’s cares and actions are so contrary. Yet, that is who we are supposed to be. We are called to be ambassadors of Christ – to be the representative of His saving grace, mercy, and goodness.

So perhaps, rather than being resolute in something the world expects, we can pledge to be a better ambassador of God. How can we do this?

Show Who God is to others. God is love. God is joy. God is peace. When we show these attributes to others we reflect who God is. By doing things that express Godly attributes we attract others to the true and everlasting nature of God. Oftentimes it is the essence and wonder of God’s nature that draws people to Him and the path to seek more of who He is. What about who God is draws you most to Him? Reflect it to others!

Testify to who God is in your life. When was the last time you shared your personal testimony with someone? There is nothing like introducing the gift of God to others through your own unique experience. God reaches each of us in different and special ways, through both positive and negative situations. His best work is taking what was meant for evil and making it for good with the ultimate example being the crucifixion and the resurrection of Christ. What has He done in your life? Someone needs to hear it.

Pray and ask God to use your unique gifts. God wants to partner with us to “make His appeal through us” (2 Corinthians 5:20). He gives each of us special gifts to be the best ambassador for Him. When we pray and yield to God’s leading, He opens doors and guides us into situations meant to help and support others. He uses us to be salt and light to the world. Through our obedience He can bless others. Be open to using your gifts and willing to act when He calls.

What better way to open the new year than by reconciling ourselves to God and becoming better ambassadors for His glory rather than seeking resolutions that may not last. God is everlasting! He can use us in this new year to help Him do the miraculous and change someone’s life forever, and in the process change your life for the better too. 

Here’s to God’s year 2020!

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Author Bio:

Mirachelle Canada is a writer, playwright, screenwriter, and theatre director/producer from Northern Virginia, where she teaches television production at her high school alma mater. 

She earned her Master of Fine Arts in Script & Screenwriting from Regent University and is an alumnus of Act One: Hollywood Film & Television Writing Program.

Mirachelle is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, American Fiction Writers Virginia Chapter, The Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, and Your Novel Blueprint.

She is currently working on her first historical fiction novel set during WWII.

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Connect with Mirachelle:
Website: www.mirachellecanada.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mirachellecanada/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/miracan