We invite you to peek inside our weekly Light for the Way devotional series provided for staff.
By Campus Pastor Steve Hoffer, Presbyterian Homes of Bloomington
“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus.” —Philippians 3:13-14, NIV
How are you doing with those New Year’s Resolutions? You know … those changes we decide to make when we begin a new year. We reflect on our life, decide what needs to change and make a resolution about changing. Simple … right?
Some statistics show that only about 8% (yes … 8) of people actually succeed at following through on their New Year’s resolutions. And by the second week of February (just a few weeks away), a full 80% of resolutions have failed.
Does the Christian faith ever feel that way? Christians are supposed to be good at so many things … loving God, loving others, giving, praying, reading the Bible consistently, worshiping regularly … the list is a long one and can feel overwhelming. How can a person grow in faith or in any endeavor? Especially if we don’t want our efforts to become like 80% of New Year’s resolutions … failed.
When I first started getting into fitness several years ago, I remember going to the gym. That first day, had I tried to bench press 250 pounds, I would have failed … miserably. No amount of effort on that day … no amount of will power … would have enabled me to lift 250 pounds, no matter how hard I tried. So, trying hard doesn’t always work.
Now, several years later, I still can’t bench 250 pounds, but I can lift much more than I could that first day. And it isn’t because I tried harder … it’s because I trained consistently.
Spiritual disciplines are those things that help, over time, live as Jesus taught and modeled for us. A person can grow in faith, not because they just try harder, but because they train consistently. And a person doesn’t have to tackle every discipline all at once. Pick just one thing … whatever you feel drawn to … and start there. The point isn’t to try harder … the point is to train consistently. Little bits … every day … grow to make a difference over time.
May God bless you and your training!
About Pastor Steve Hoffer: I joined PHS in July 2021 as the pastoral care director at Presbyterian Homes of Bloomington. Previously I served as the senior pastor of Roseau Evangelical Covenant Church in Roseau, MN. I currently live in Plymouth, MN, with my wife Mary. We have 4 adult children and 1 grandchild with another on the way this year … another grandchild, that is.
The Light for the Way series provides staff with an examination of a biblical reading to deepen our focus on scripture. Thank you for engaging with this series as we seek wisdom through prayer and reflection as a Christian Ministry.
Find more in the Light for the Way series:
To face the future united
We are God’s Beloved
Get to know us: a Christian ministry
Introducing Light for the Way, a new devotional series
In addition to Light for the Way, you can find reflections, devotions, music and other resources on the Pastoral Care resources website.
