Resolve

But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king's food, or with the wine that he drank...17 As for these four youths, God gave them learning and skill in all literature and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams...20 And in every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters that were in all his kingdom. Daniel 1:8,17,20.

When we look carefully at the word "resolve" in Daniel 1:8, we find that God is able to work in those who are resolved to seek Him. Daniel did not want to eat the king's food because the rich food would cause him to want more rich food. It could become a way for Daniel to take his eyes off of God.

That is what our bad habits are--distractions. They cause us to take our eyes off of God and focus on our own gratification.

My father told me that when he was a fairly young man, in his thirties, he decided that he didn't want to be dependent upon any habits. He wanted to be able to enjoy his life even if he could not smoke or drink alcohol. He resolved to enjoy the life he was given. He started trying to eat less and he started running every morning. Instead of stopping bad habits, he started replacing the bad habits with better habits. I think this is a good plan, and it takes resolve.

Resolve doesn't mean that we decide to do something, and we will never waver or falter. It means that we decide to do something even though we know that we will waver and falter. God will never waiver or falter, and He will honor our resolve, and uphold us when we falter.