“Let us examine our ways and test them.” – Lamentation 3:40A.
Ebenezer! This is how far the Lord has brought us. We are privileged to see the end of the year. Listen, no matter how the year has been, you must be grateful that you are alive. Ecclesiastes 9:4 says, “Anyone who is among the living has hope -- even a live dog is better off than a dead lion!” Do not beat yourself down, if your expectations/plans didn’t materialize. Do not accept failure, know where you fell short and strategize for a strong comeback.
The prodigal son reflected on his life when he found himself in a difficult situation. This helped him to make a wise decision to return to his father’s house. Taking stock is simply making an overall evaluation of a particular situation. Ask yourself whether you were able to accomplish all/some of the goals you set for yourself: spiritual goals, career goals, family goals, financial goals, etc.
In the area of your finances, were you a spendthrift? How much were you able to save? Some of us are great tithers and givers, but we receive minimum blessings because of bad spending habits. God does not bless wasters. No parent entrusts money to his children who are wasteful. In terms of your career/ministry goals, were you able to go a step ahead?
Did you start that new business or get a degree? For family goals, were you able to spend more time with the family? In your spiritual life, did you develop a closer walk with God? Did you cut back on watching TV, browsing the internet, among others? All these assessments help you live a holistic life. Without proper planning, nothing gets done. When you take life seriously, you will enjoy the benefits. Answer the questions asked above and make adjustments where necessary.
