Love is the antidote: How God motivates us into action
Driving to work I was deep in thought. I felt a need to join a Bible study but the only ones offered were during working hours. I half-wished, half-prayed someone would start one that fit my schedule and heard, “You do it.”
That was one of the first times I recognized the voice of God. I would never have had such a thought on my own. In fact, the thought of leading a Bible study was so absurd to me that I politely declined God. Actually, it was more like, “Absolutely not; no way; I could never do that!” In response, I felt a gentle encouragement, like a spiritual hug, letting me know God understood but the discussion was not finished.
A little background on that season of life might explain. My life at that point was obscenely stressful, and moving forward from that day it worsened. I endured marital troubles, serious financial struggles, and becoming a caretaker for a dying mother-in-law, all while raising two small children, working full time, and going to graduate school. I wanted to seek God through Bible study because I desperately needed him.
That same season was also the first time I felt God’s presence. Every impossible need that arose was miraculously met. Every tear-soaked moment was met with a sense of peace. Debts we owed were paid anonymously. Family and friends showed up repeatedly, and the love of God for me was palpable. God took a season I thought would kill me and used it to heal me.
Following that time, he reminded me of his previous request. This time, motivated by his love for me and my love and devotion in return, I consented. Some friends and I started a Bible study that, as I write this, has continued for nearly a decade.
Hagar’s story in Genesis 16 tells of God’s motivating love. Used, abused, and feeling unseen, Hagar ran away. God met her in her despair and assured her she and her unborn son were significant. God knew, saw, comforted, and valued her. Being loved gave her strength to return, and motivation to be obedient. That’s because love is the most powerful motivator.
"She gave this name to the lord who spoke to her: 'You are the God who sees me,” for she said, 'I have now seen the one who sees me.'" Genesis 16:13 (NIV).
We have a tendency to lambaste ourselves when we lack motivation. When God calls us to action, it’s my experience he doesn’t beat us into submission, he loves us into it. Take a moment to remember there is a God who knows, sees, and values you. Release the inner critic and find freedom from the pressures of this cruel world in the experience of his unconditional love. Like Hagar and I, find motivation to express your love in return through obedience to God’s call on your life and your days.
Scripture for meditation
“Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”
John 14:21 (NIV)
Prompts for reflection and journaling
Identify something you feel unmotivated to do right now. Write about what is keeping you from progress or action in that area.
Take a moment to consider God’s love as the source of motivation. Write a letter of encouragement to yourself as you think your loving Father would if he were speaking to you right now.
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