Resolutions are not difficult; they're impossible

  • Published
  • By Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Thomas L. Kirles, III
  • 192nd Fighter Wing Chaplain
LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. --  The year 2008 flew by as a distant memory for me and maybe many of you. As we begin 2009 there are a lot of concerns from every corner of our nation and world and many have already wondered: can we trust the future? 

The prospect and probability for making New Year Resolutions has been very real for most people who have counted on life to continue as usual (for the most part) like it had been the previous year. Resolutions blossom and fade like a brand new year with high hopes that change for the better will somehow be the norm in the next 365 days. 

Someone has said, "If you always do what you always have done, you will always have what you always had." Not a whole lot of change will ever take place until we make up our minds to take the bull by the horns and do life differently. 

To resolve to do something implies that you have made a conscious decision and purpose to make it happen. It's like making a promise or a covenant with yourself or someone else. It becomes a kind of goal to which several objectives or plans are applied to reach a desired end. 

At best, though, a few days or weeks reveal that our plans have become tainted or empty and lack the discipline of perseverance. We tend to throw in the towel and make a promise with ourselves to try better next year. Next year comes, the process is repeated, and you know the outcome. It would seem, then, that all our efforts in the physical or mental realm are very difficult. Let me say upfront: they are impossible! 

Let me add some encouragement. The above having been said in a general sense for most people, I am thoroughly convinced that resolutions in the physical and mental sense are difficult at best, and impossible to achieve with a degree of permanence without self discipline and some kind of buddy system. Resolutions based on a sincere desire and plan to pursue spiritual things are fool proof and highly attainable from God's perspective. Why? Because God himself has promised never to leave us or forsake us and that if we seek him with all of our heart, we will find him. Moreover, we have his word that this kind of resolution will be achieved because he will not hesitate to help make it happen in our lives, if we let him do it. 

The Apostle Paul testified boldly, "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me," (Philippians 4:13). Further, James 4:3 tells us to "draw near to God, and he will draw near to you." 

You and I have a win-win opportunity this year to see a resolution like this blossom in our lives and homes. I challenge you to put God to the test and see the great and wonderful things he has planned just for you as you purpose in your heart to let him do it for you and through you to others. 

The Bible says that God is "not like man that he should lie." You and I can fully trust him this year (and always) to do the right thing for our good. You and I have his word on it! 

Thank you for your service to our country and the Virginia Air National Guard. Thank you again for the privilege of serving as your Wing Chaplain. Blessings!