4:46 – How Are You Motivated?

#faithbites #faithjourney motivated

Setting

Yesterday, I decided that I would choose motivation for the #faithbites topic but then changed it to love as it was Valentine’s Day. I thought that how we are motivated is essential for success. For some it’s internal motivation, others it’s external.

But as God would have it, he was messing with me. Today, a friend saw my post about my frustrations with weight loss and wanted to help. It got down to the point that my head isn’t there yet. In other words, I’m not yet motivated enough to change. He gave me good advice and was being a good friend. I thank him for that. I have the internal motivation of feeling better and the external of being there for my kids and wife, but it’s not quite enough yet. What’s missing?

As I think about it, it’s prayer. I need to prayerfully consider God’s plan for everything. Weight loss is just one benefit of an overall issue of stress, overwork, and lack of rest. Being energized to serve God, which includes being a good parent, spouse, friend, and son comes naturally with it. I’m almost there, I just need to pray on it a bit more.

Today’s questions: How are you motivated? What is stopping you from achieving whatever dream you have?

Scripture

• Jeremiah 29:11 – For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
• 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 – Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
• Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Reflection

Let’s focus on God’s word for our motivation. First, in Jeremiah, we see that the Lord has plans for us for a good future and hope. This is what we have to look forward to. This is the start of our motivation. Who doesn’t want to have a hopeful and blessed future? Second, we see in 1 Corinthians, that our body is a gift from God. We were ransomed by Jesus. Our bodies should be used for all things that Glorify God. This is our second motivation. Lastly, in Philippians, we see that we can do anything through Christ who strengthens us. We have three motivations in these three verses: a hopeful future, a body that was ransomed from death, and the strength of God to complete those tasks. This should be all the motivation we need to succeed.

As with all things, we need to take the first step. As my friend who was encouraging me in my weight loss said, I just need to do 10 sit-ups or crunches or something. Nothing major, just start the path. Following and trusting in God is the same way. We don’t need to read the Bible overnight, just start being intentionally in God’s word.

As we close, remember that motivation can come from three places: internal, external, and God. Use God’s motivation to thrive.

Prayer

Father God, you are all the motivation we need. Be with us as we struggle to follow your will and your way. We all have different struggles from weight to finances to relationships and beyond. We pray that your word lights our path and guides us as we make the changes in our lives to Glorify you. In your name, Amen.