You may have had an amazing 2009…or perhaps it was the worst year of your life- waiting anxiously for the clock to strike midnight on this New Year’s Eve. We’ve all had years like that I’m sure! I know I have…in my lifetime…probably a few.
There is always something magical about an end to one year and a beginning to the new. This year is even extra special for many. It’s not just an end of another year; it’s an end to another decade! I thought about that and even said to my husband…”WOW, can’t believe we are entering a new decade (my 40s). I have a lot to do before I turn 50 in this decade!” Yikes, although 40 is the new 20 and 50 is the new 30 they say…I’m still far from ushering in the big “5-0!” That gives me some time to accomplish some things.
Each year we get pumped up that this is going to be the best year ever and then when it doesn’t go as we’ve imagined, we become disillusioned and give up on the little hope that we had…or perhaps a dream, a goals or even give up on believing in our self. 2009 has been a tough year for many and it saddens me; especially when it’s one of your closest friends or family members who have lost jobs, homes, family members or opportunities.
One of the things that we lose sometimes is our passion for things that we once had and dreamed of. Have you lost your passion for that thing or things that you once had? Are you questioning your purpose for which you were created? Are you wondering and asking God when you are going to experience His promises for your life?
Isaiah 43:18-19, encourages us with this: “Do not call to mind the former things, or ponder on things of the past. Behold, I will do something new.” When things look hopeless, God will give you hope. When a door shuts, He will open a new door for you that no man can close!
Passion
God has placed a special desire or passion on the inside of us. We need to pay attention to what drives us in life. What is it that makes us excited when we talk about “it” with friends or people in our life? It’s time to acknowledge our passion and pursue it.
Passion is a strong desire, a zeal or fervor towards something. If you do not know what you are passionate about yet, that’s alright. As you journey through life and discover your gifts, talents, and what it is that gives you a burning desire, you will not be satisfied until you do something about it.
Sometimes we get so discouraged with issues in our life, that we lose our passion for the very thing that God placed inside of us. It’s a seed for something great to happen; however, we’ve allowed that desire to die due to hopelessness that we may have experienced.
Purpose
During one of my coaching sessions with a life coach a few years back, she clarified the meaning of “purpose” with me:
“Purpose is why you were created and mission is what you are meant to do about it. Identifying what your purpose is will help you determine what you are meant to do about it.” It was an ah-ha moment! Jeremiah says that before you were formed in your mother’s womb, God knew you. Even though you may feel like you are not accomplishing much right now in your life, you still have a purpose!
Promises
I have heard there are over six thousand promises in the Bible! If you are a parent who makes a promise to your children, because you love them, you will fulfill that promise. How much more will God keep His promises for His children? Below are just a few of promises from God.
He will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4)
He will reward those who diligently seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6)
He will do exceedingly above all that you can ask or think. (Ephesians 3:20)
He gives us wisdom if we ask for it. (James 1:5)
He sent his Word and healed you. (Psalm 107:2)
I know it’s hard to see how some of these promises are even possible, when we are faced with so much adversity at times. That’s where our faith has to kick in. We won’t experience the promises for our lives by just hoping, we have to apply faith to our hope. It’s not always easy to do. But we are all given a measure of faith even if it’s as tiny as a mustard seed, it’s can move mountains in our life.
We can’t give up! Also, if I can encourage you with one more thing that will help you to turn your situation into the right direction is knowing the that there is power in our thoughts and in our tongue. Our thoughts and our words direct and control the course of our life. I’m going to decide what course I want to take and make a conscious effort to take control of thoughts and words of defeat and discouragement in my own life. We’ve all heard, “as a man thinks within himself, so is he.” There’s a lot to be said right there…our thought life is where a lot of our issues begin.
Let’s believe together that 2010 will be a year of passion, purpose, and promises for a new beginning! I would love to encourage you (myself included) to find your passion, or if you’ve lost it, make an effort to rekindle that passion. Know that you have a special purpose and trust in God’s promises for your life.
“What appears to be the end may really be a new beginning.” ~Unknown
Live Healthier & Happier~ Happy New Year!!
*This post has been updated & edited from the original post in 2008.
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This is so very true. Have you ready the book Life Launch before, I just read it, and it is an excellent read. It talks about knowing your purpose, life transitions, new chapters, etc.
Thank you! You’re the best.
God bless you!
Great post Duong! Would love to talk more about this with you sometime.