Wednesday, June 25 God is the one who . . . energizes you, giving you both the desire and the power to act.​—Phil. 2:13.

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Wednesday, June 25

God is the one who . . . energizes you, giving you both the desire and the power to act.—Phil. 2:13.

 

Motivation plays a key role in reaching spiritual goals. A motivated person has a strong incentive or desire to work toward his goal. And the more motivated we are, the more likely we are to reach our goals. So, what can you do to feel more motivated? Pray for more motivation. By means of his spirit, Jehovah can motivate you to reach your goal. Sometimes we set a goal because we know we should, and that is a good thing. But we may not really have the desire to reach it. Meditate on what Jehovah has done for you. (Ps. 143:5) The apostle Paul meditated on Jehovah’s undeserved kindness toward him, and this motivated him to work hard for Jehovah. (1 Cor. 15:9, 10; 1 Tim. 1:12-14) Similarly, the more you meditate on what Jehovah has done for you, the more motivated you will feel to reach your goal.—Ps. 116:12. w23.05 27 ¶3-5

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It’s hard to push forward when the heart is tired.

 

You may set a goal—reading the Bible daily, reaching out in the ministry, or even just getting to the meeting on time—but something inside you hesitates. Not for lack of knowledge. Not for rebellion. Just weariness. Or fear. Or the lingering sting of discouragement from the last time you tried.

 

And then comes that quiet ache: Why don’t I feel more motivated?

 

But what if motivation wasn’t something you had to generate alone? What if it wasn’t another item on your spiritual to-do list? What if the desire itself was a gift?

 

“God is the one who . . . energizes you, giving you both the desire and the power to act” (Philippians 2:13). Not just power. Not just action. He gives the desire. He shapes it gently in your chest—sometimes as a whisper, sometimes as a tug—and then He strengthens the resolve to follow it through.

 

What if you prayed, not for success first, but simply for desire? Not for results, but for a heart that longs for Him again?

 

The psalmist said: “I remember the days of old; I meditate on all your activity; I eagerly ponder over the work of your hands” (Psalm 143:5). Can you recall something Jehovah did for you—something timely, something tender? Let that memory soften your fear.

 

Paul remembered. He remembered what he had done, and more importantly, what Jehovah had done for him. “By God’s undeserved kindness I am what I am,” he said. And then he worked harder than anyone—not from guilt, but from grace (1 Corinthians 15:9-10; 1 Timothy 1:12-14). He let love become the engine.

 

What if you did the same?

 

What if your next step wasn’t just about reaching a goal, but about responding to love?

 

What if every small act—opening your Bible, writing one letter, standing to sing—was your quiet way of saying, “What shall I repay Jehovah for all he has done for me?” (Psalm 116:12)

 

You are not alone in the effort. He is there, energizing the very desire you thought you lacked.

 

He gives the desire. He gives the strength.

He sees your heart. He will not forget.

 

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Reference: w23.05 27 ¶3–5

Category: Comfort in Distress

Tags: motivation, prayer, spiritual goals, Philippians, grace, endurance