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Approved by faculty for the College of Theology on March 14, 2024.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.
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Obstacles are an inevitable part of life’s journey (2 Corinthians 12:9). Yet, it’s our faith in Jesus that empowers us to overcome them (Hebrews 11:1). When fear paralyzes us or doubt clouds our vision (Joshua 1:9), we can find solace in knowing that God is with us every step of the way (Isaiah 41:10). Countless testimonies bear witness to the transformative power of faith in the face of adversity (Philippians 4:13), reminding us that nothing is impossible for those who believe and have put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ (Romans 8:28). These scriptures remind us that through faith, we can find strength, courage and perseverance to overcome any obstacles that come our way (James 1:2-4). They assure us of God’s presence, power and faithfulness, even amid challenges and trials.
Setting goals is essential to personal growth, but how often do we pause to seek God’s guidance in this process? It is crucial to align our ambitions with God’s purpose for our lives (Proverbs 16:13), for his plans far surpass our own (Proverbs 19:21). By surrendering our desires to his will (Jeremiah 29:11), we open ourselves up to greater possibilities and opportunities beyond what we could ever imagine (Ephesians 3:20-21). Scripture reminds us to seek God’s guidance, trust in his plans, and align our desires with his will, knowing that his ways are higher than ours and his purposes are ultimately for our good and his glory.
In the pursuit of our goals, both personal and spiritual, motivation serves as the fuel that continues to propel us forward. Whether striving for earthly achievements or spiritual growth, motivation drives us toward our aspirations. Yet, amidst the distractions and demands that clamor for our attention in the hustle and bustle of life, it is easy to lose sight of where this motivation truly originates.
In this journey, we must pause amidst life’s frenetic pace to delve into the depths of our faith. Here, during the stillness of contemplation, we will seek to uncover the divine inspiration that quietly infuses our everyday pursuits. Join us as we explore the intersection of faith and motivation, discovering how our spiritual beliefs can transform mere goals into sacred missions and ordinary actions into acts of worship fueled by faith based on God’s grace.
The Bible clarifies that true fulfillment is found not in pursuing selfish ambitions but in selflessly serving others (Philippians 2:3-4). Jesus himself exemplified this principle (Mark 10:45), teaching us that greatness lies in humility and service (Matthew 25:40). As we extend a helping hand to those in need (1 Peter 4:10), we discover a renewed sense of purpose and fulfillment that transcends our desires (Romans 12:10-11). These scriptures highlight the importance of humility, love and sincerity in serving others. They remind us that serving others is not only a duty but also a privilege and a means of glorifying God (Galatians 5:13). By following the example of Jesus Christ, who came to serve rather than to be served, we are motivated to extend compassion, kindness and assistance to those in need.
Throughout the pages of the Bible, we encounter numerous individuals whose lives were driven by a deep sense of faith and purpose. Take Nehemiah, for instance (Nehemiah 1:4-6), whose unwavering determination to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem stemmed from his trust in God’s Old Testament promises (Nehemiah 2:18). Similarly, the apostle Paul’s relentless pursuit of spreading the Gospel (Acts 9:20-22) was fueled by his encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus in the New Testament (Acts 9:3-6). From these champions of the faith and their accounts in Scripture, we glean principles of perseverance, courage and unwavering faith that continue to inspire us today.
In our journey of motivation, let us remember the source from which it flows (Hebrews 6:10). May we draw inspiration from the accounts of the faith-filled individuals who have gone before us, aligning our goals with God’s will and overcoming obstacles through unwavering faith and trust. May our motivation be fueled not by selfish desires but by a genuine desire to follow and become more like Jesus and to serve and glorify the Father in all we do. As we embark on this spiritual journey of motivation, may our hearts be ever attuned to the Holy Spirit’s inspiration that surrounds us (John 14:26), guiding and leading us every step of the way.
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