What keeps you motivated? Is it peer-to-peer comparison or financial gain? Is it recognition or praise? Is it fear or embarrassment? Our motivations often vary depending on the task at hand. Let me ask a more pointed question: what keeps your walk with Jesus motivated? You will find that the answer to this question is not accidental or happenstance, but it is more so, purposeful.
Belief is understanding, agreeing, AND depending (James 2:19). Many will say they believe the Bible, they believe in heaven and hell, or that they believe in God. However, many are still feverishly attempting to work their way to heaven – even though the Bible (that they say they believe) states clearly that we are “saved by grace through faith…not by works (Eph. 2:8-9).”
When the people thought that Jesus was come to deliver them as their earthly king, they shouted great praise in the streets. Joy filled their hearts to believe they would soon be free from their Roman bondage. They were shouting “Hosanna to the Son of David!” He was very much worthy of such praise, but not for the reasons the people believed. Jesus had something far greater planned!
There have been many times I have sat with older believers while they have expressed the struggle of still “hanging on” in their diseased-ridden body. They longed for heaven, and they could not understand why they were still here. What does God still want us to do before He calls us home to heaven? There are so many possible answers to that question, but let’s look at 9 possibilities.
What does hardship or suffering drive you to? Self-pity? Bitterness? Anger? Retreat? Suffering only reveals the depth of relationship we have already nurtured with the Lord. We must pursue greater relationship with Jesus in good times to be sustained during hard times. What are the non-negotiables for this deeper sustaining relationship?
I am certain we can all agree that a life-threatening storm, a demon possessed man, a 12-year health crisis, and the death of a 12-year-old girl are distractions that overwhelm with discouragements! No doubt many here feel surrounded by distractions and discouragements. Take note of the Lord’s admonishment in verse 50 – Do not be afraid, only believe!
Have you stopped listening to the still small voice of God? Have you decided to live life your way and not God’s way? Have you come across hard pathways of life and wonder how you got here? Have you gotten a distance down the road of life and realized the Bible was right…you shouldn’t have made that choice all those weeks, months, or years ago?
Unfortunately, the world seems to be making far too much impact on the people in the church, instead of the church making a strong impact on the community in which we live! As we were reminded a couple of weeks ago, we do not need more church programs to fix this problem. So, what is the solution for the church to make a bigger impact on the community?
