By Motivate: stimulate (someone’s) interest in or enthusiasm for doing something.
I often hear people lament about not being close to God. They’ll say things like I want a deeper relationship with God or I need to start reading my Bible again or some kind of variation of these phrases.
But, oftentimes, when people say these things, they don’t do anything about it. They continue going about their lives, doing what they want, not reading their Bible, and not putting any effort into getting closer to God.
And the fact is: if you don’t put in the effort, you won’t reap the benefits. Plainly, you reap what you sow. And if you’re not putting in the effort (i.e. praying, going to church, reading scripture, learning about Jesus, etc.) you won’t sow a closer and deeper relationship with Him.
It’s easy to desire things, but true change is hard. Especially when change requires us to drop deeply rooted habits or routines. But change is necessary.
If you’ve found yourself in this situation, where your desires and your actions are not lining up, this is for you.
Although it seems hard and maybe even impossible, you can make the necessary changes to reap a deeper relationship with Christ.
Philippians 2:13 says this: “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.”
Take encouragement in this! God is working in you, not only giving you the desire, but also the power to do what pleases Him. How awesome is that! God is motivating you!
Pray this over yourself today. Pray that God would continue to work in you, giving you the right desires and the power to carry them out. Ask that He help you overcome any hindrances that would cause you to stumble, and then be obedient!
It might not be easy making this change, but it’s worth it.
Draw closer to God today, and see how it changes your life for the better!
Maddisen Sauls is the smile and voice behind the Everyday Joy blog as well as the author of the Word of the Week posts and the editor of by leaps and bounds. Throughout her life, Maddisen has worked as a reporter for small town newspapers, a School Age and Preschool teacher, and has acquired her ministerial license.
An avid book reader and lover of the written word, Maddisen is passionate about using her favorite medium to reach the lost and the hurting, and to offer encouragement and hope to those struggling through life.
Following her battle with depression, Maddisen has made it her mission to help other people through this journey and to bring joy to the lives of the people around her.
You can find Maddisen on Instagram @maddisen.paige
by leaps and bounds 