Choosing to Live Intentionally—God’s Way

by Paula Black

A new year always feels like a fresh breath—an invitation from God to pause, reflect, and choose again. Not perfection. Just intention.

As I step into a new year, my prayer is simple, and I invite you to pray it with me: “Lord, show me one small thing I can do today to glorify You with my life.”

Scripture reminds us that God works through our daily choices and obedience: “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:6, NKJV)

Living on Purpose, One Choice at a Time

Intentional living doesn’t mean we control everything. It means we surrender daily choices to God and trust Him to guide our steps.

The Bible tells us: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5–6, NKJV)

Whether you are:

• Walking through cancer right now

• A survivor who has faced it in the past

• Or like my daughter—who lives on purpose to never get cancer after going through my journey with me.

…the principles remain the same.

We don’t live in fear. We live in wisdom, peace, and faith.

Choosing Health Is Not Fear—It’s Stewardship

Our bodies are gifts from God. Caring for them is not about obsession; it’s about honoring Him. It’s about being a good steward of the one body God has gifted to us.

God’s Word reminds us of this truth: “Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?” (1 Corinthians 6:19, NKJV)

That looks like:

• Choosing the right diet—real, nourishing foods that support life and healing

• Managing stress—learning to rest, breathe, and trust God more deeply

• Forgiving yourself and others—because unforgiveness is heavy, and freedom brings healing

• Spending time in God’s Word—where truth replaces fear and peace replaces anxiety. And faith grows as we hear God’s Promises with our own ears, from our own mouth.

  
  

“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans, 10:17)

When we forgive, we make room for peace, and Scripture assures us: “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts.” (Colossians 3:15, NKJV)

Grace for Where You Are

Please hear this clearly: If you’ve made choices in the past that you wish you could change—there is no condemnation here.

God does not shame. He restores.

“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1, NKJV)

Today is not about regret. Today is about direction.

Every healthy choice, every prayer, every act of forgiveness is a seed. And God is faithful to bring fruit in His time.

A New Year, Anchored in Hope

As this year begins, don’t ask, “What do I need to fix?”Ask instead:

“Lord, how can I walk with You more intentionally today?”

God promises guidance when we seek Him: “Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” (Jeremiah 33:3, NKJV)

He will answer. Sometimes quietly. Sometimes simply. Always lovingly.

It doesn’t start with a big leap—just one step, one prayer, one choice toward life. And in time, those small moments of obedience become a powerful testimony of faith, peace, and health—God’s way.

With love and hope for this new year,

Paula