"Joshua said to all the people, 'This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: "Long ago your ancestors, including Terah the father of Abraham and Nahor, lived beyond the Euphrates River and worshiped other gods. But I took your father Abraham from the land beyond the Euphrates and led him throughout Canaan and gave him many descendants."'"

Joshua 24:2-3 (NIV)

Fresh starts feel exciting. January brings new planners and ambitious goals. We love the idea of reinventing ourselves. But most resolutions fail by February.

Why do we struggle with lasting change? We focus forward without looking back. We make promises based on willpower alone. We forget the foundation that makes commitment possible. Joshua knew something we often miss about dedication.

Before Joshua called Israel to choose, he rehearsed history. He spent eleven verses reminding them what God had done. He talked about Abraham's calling and Egypt's deliverance. He described wilderness provision and promised land victories. Only after remembering did he ask for commitment.

This wasn't just a history lesson. Joshua understood that dedication flows from gratitude, not guilt. We don't commit to God to earn His favor. We commit because He's already shown His favor. Our promises don't create God's faithfulness. His faithfulness creates our response.

God's faithfulness to you didn't start this year. Think about 2025 for a moment. Where did He provide when you didn't know how? When did He sustain you through difficulty? What Scripture became precious to you? How did He answer prayer in unexpected ways?

Godseekers, dedication begins with remembrance. Before you make promises about 2026, pause and look back. Let gratitude fill your heart. Acknowledge what God has already done. Then your commitment becomes response, not initiative.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, You are faithful beyond measure. Before I make any promises about the future, I pause to thank You for the past. You have provided for me. You have sustained me through trials. You have answered prayers I thought You'd forgotten. Forgive me for rushing forward without remembering backward. Help me build my 2026 dedication on the foundation of Your proven faithfulness. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Personal Reflection

• What are three specific ways God showed His faithfulness to me in 2025?
• How does remembering God's past provision change the way I approach future commitment?

Step of Faith

Today, I will write down one way God was faithful to me in 2025 and thank Him for it before making any commitments about 2026.