Why is it that we need something “new” to be motivated to change? It’s that new school, or new boyfriend or girlfriend, oh and my personal favorite – a new year. It’s that time where Christmas has come and gone, and now we begrudgingly begin again life’s daily routine of the hustle and bustle. While we grieve at actually having to resume responsibility again, it doesn’t take long to become re-acclimated.
While getting back into the swing of things comes at almost no cost, it’s the “change” we want so badly that tends to present some problems. Everyone has things they want to improve upon, modify, or even those things they wouldn’t mind getting rid of all together. Yes, I’m talking about the oh-so-infamous New Year’s resolutions we without fail make every year. With only the uttermost passion and determination, of course, do we attempt to take up such a challenge. In what seems like moments of victory we feel invincible, but quickly around the corner comes the rapid defeat I like to call temptation. We soon lose sight of what we set out to accomplish, and here’s to next year to give it another go.
However, change is not impossible. It is rather something always within reach if we so desire. The problem isn’t in the “desire” to change but the reason behind the “desire”. If our motivation is because the “new” feels like an opportunity for a clean slate, as soon as the newness wears off, so does the motivation. Therefore, it’s only when we find a relentless motivation that we stay strong on the course. People will always fail us, and when our motivation is found from them we too will fall off track just as quickly. When we are driven by the person that will never let us down we are sure to always have an abundance of motivation. Don’t lose hope in your goals of change because remember, where there is a will there is a way!
I grew up hearing my mother say, “Where there is a will there is a way.” We were considered poor back then; however, as I look back now I see that we were wealthier than most, because we had love in the family.
The Bible says, “Don’t be weary in well-doing… Gal 6:9. There are so many pressures and temptations in the world. When we are not leaning on the Lord for our strength literally and looking to the Lord for our and direction we wear out physically and mentally. Yet, isn’t it great that OUR GOD understands and is so merciful that He calls us away from time to time for a “refreshing” in Him. We then continue on the road. When I think about even God rested on the sabbath, it helps me to understand that we, too, need rest. He said that He didn’t make us for the sabbath, but the sabbath for us. Mark 2:27. Amen? Our Heavenly Father knows what we have need of. Matt 6:32 There will be times when we need to cry out to the Lord, Father, I need rest in You. HE WILL REFRESH YOU! We also gather strength from each other. When we are around true brothers and sisters in Christ, we gather strength in the midst of true love. :0) We cannot and must not totally rely on people, because they are only human, and yes, they will fail us; do not become angry at them for the human side of them. Therefore, put your total trust and reliance on God for GOD NEVER FAIL. Zephaniah 3:5
This post was such a blessing. Thanks, Rachel! 😉
Rachel,
This really brings back memories. This reminds me of myself at one point in my life. It was like all of my past relationships, cars and trucks, toys, and most goals! Thank the Lord for Salvation and the NEW mind that I have!
GREAT JOB RACHEL! (: 😀
keep it up!!
I never, ever do New Year’s resolutions. There are several reasons for this. One is that, if I need to change something, I want to be free to do it when the need arises, no matter what time of year it is, without having to wait till January. Another reason is that it often takes time to establish a new habit. It’s normal to have slip ups in the process. If this happens, I want to be able to pick myself up and try again without the mental and spiritual burden, or barrier, of having broken a resolution. It’s easier to get back on track if you don’t have that over your head. We all have changes that we need to do, but we also need to be patient with ourselves.
Love in Christ,
Cecilia
Good post Rachel. We must always be motivated by our love for God and wanting to please Him.
We also can’t pick and choose the areas that we want to please Him.
We should always be pressing forward, reading the Bible every day and finding out how we can improve in our walk for God.
If we are searching for the truth He will not hide it from us. He will always give us grace to fulfill our resolutions that He is behind.
Wonderful job Rachel!! God bless you honney!!! Love you!!!
Nice job Rachel!
“Where there is a will, there is a way”. This is a very catchy saying but the problem is that it is more easier said, than done. To tell the truth, I have actually failed trying to do things by my own will. But after I heard a teaching about receiving God’s grace in every area of my life, I started doing things using Lord’s strength by being aware of his grace which is available for me and thanking him for his grace. Slowly but steadily I started doing the right things.The temptations I easily give into in the past, it became easier for me to “flee”. Even-though I haven’t figured out everything but I still trust in his strength for everything I do.
Thank you Rachel for this blog,
Vivek
Vivek-
I’m so glad you came to check out my blog. I don’t like getting too specific in my writing. My hope is that people can take the general idea of what I think and figure out the specifics for themselves. I don’t come out and say exactly what’s on my mind but I try to make it pretty clear the direction of my thought. I think the point I was trying to get across here is how important it is to know where your motivation comes from. I have many times built my motivation around something or someone and always found that while yes it did last awhile it always faded. It wasn’t until I found my motivation through the Lord that I was able to never run out. Not to say that I don’t slip up sometimes, but it makes it easier to get right back on track knowing the Lord will always be there loving me no matter what I’ve done. So all that’s to say, I totally agree with what you’re saying. Your specifics where mine as well. Thanks for sharing…
Study on this, my dad made this point, years ago -dig a little deeper in the well son- dig a little deeper in the well, if the sun don’t shine and the moon don’t rise, dig a little deeper in the well” meaning– dig down in your heart, pull out every bit of love you have, and give it all away, spend it on everyone you come around, let those see the glory of [God] on your face, they will ask /you will tell [well] IT’S ALL ABOUT THE GOS-PEL, THEN YOU [WILL] SEE THE TRUE POWER OF [THE ALMIGHTY LIVING GOD] AMEN-AMEN..
Holt-1-
That’s such a cute little saying! I think it sounds like you have a wonderful father. Count your blessings my friend that you had a family that instilled such a wonderful concept in you at such a young age, because let me tell you many are not so fortunate. I feel like there must be a story behind where he got that from. Where there is passion, there usually is a underlying story. You should ask, I would love to hear…
Hi Rachel, I think that’s so true. It usually takes something brand new to get us motivated to even live right in this world. We as a society are so used to things and circumstances making us happy, however, we don’t always realize that material objects can’t make us happy forever. They can only satisfy that small craving for that moment. Then, we are back to wanting things again and again. The cycle continues for years into adulthood and people don’t realize that they need to change. When sin came into this world (due to the fall of man) that notion of man’s constant need for change to satisfy for the moment came into play which causes people’s emotions to go up and down. One minute men and women are happy, the next minute they are sad, depending upon what their need is in that moment. Despite the average christian going to church and hearing the Word every Sunday, we’ve forgotten what it says. The Word is supposed to satisfy our every need, not temporary satisfactions such as music or athletics. We’re so used to wondering when the next pop vocal is going to break out with another record or when the next Labron James or Michael Jordan is going to break the previous record. Christians are always wondering whether or not another prophet is going to speak a fresh rhema Word upon the people, when we forget that we as the body of Christ have the Word right at our fingertips. Jesus lives inside of us and He is always more than ready to satisfy whatever we need. He’s empowered us to do the Will of God ourselves instead of waiting for the next person or event to strike us to move on. God is teaching me how not to depend upon other people and situations to cause me to make choices. My prayer is that I become a self-starter, rather than a follower. I have dreams, goals, and visions, but I know that I have to work at what I want to do. I’m reminded of that verse that says “I have given you the authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy.” That includes the power to make Godly choices to be able to achieve our dreams and build up the walls of Faith. I am understanding that more and more as I read the Word and get more sense about the world around me. I hope to one day be a self-starter; to not only do for my family and myself, but for others as well. We can all do what we want in Christ if only we use the tools He gave us in His Word. With my goals being the way that they are, I have to practice taking every moment and doing what His Word says to do. He said to “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” II Timothy 2:15 When we study the Word, we get understanding as to allow us to change for the better. His Word also says “in all thy getting, get understanding.” So, if we don’t constantly seek the Word on how to allow us to change for the better, rather than waiting around for the next person to do it for us, we fall into slumps and the cycle continues as such. So, it is our own responsibility to make sure that we read His Word and allow God to make the changes necessary in our own lives for His purpose. I wouldn’t comment on this without going through situations in my own life and realizing that people or circumstances can’t make my life worth the while. I have to open up the scriptures and allow God to make the changes.
Sherina Shine-
Thank you so much for sharing some of your heart. I agree with you that the word of God is something that feeds our spirit and gives us a sense of empowerment to conquer things we battle in the flesh. I understand where you’re coming from and feel your frustration. However, I don’t think that the Lord wants us to live in a box. I think its okay that people enjoy sports, music, and whatever it is they find fun to pass the time. I think of course there’s an appropriate balance we should maintain in our lives. However, I’m hesitant to ever tell people how they should live their live. I can only be responsible for my actions and how I live my life. I haven’t always done the best job at it, but I try to let my actions speak louder than my words. Its one thing to tell someone something but it’s another thing entirely to live by example. I don’t want people to ever feel judged or even condemned. I’ve learned the roles of how that works and I understand that my only job is to love love love. It’s only then that people will change, because let me tell you it’s infectious!
Rachel,
You are wise way beyond your years.
Lynda Timms-
I don’t take your words lightly! I’ve learned that knowledge is easy to obtain, but wisdom many never find. I pray that the Lord would continue to give it to me! Thank you for the compliment!