To me, motivation has to do with different things that drive a person’s actions. So, regardless of the situation, we need something that moves us forward. We need something that encourages us to take action, sustains us when our own energy runs out, and gives us direction when we don’t know which way to go.
And this is where many people stumble. Unfortunately, we live in a society that constantly tells us, “You can do it on your own,” “Just believe in yourself,” and “Be strong and don’t depend on anyone.” But… is relying solely on ourselves really enough? Or, better yet, are we capable of producing a constant source of motivation?
The answer is clear: no. No matter how strong you may seem, how intelligent or disciplined you are, you and I are limited, fragile, and needy human beings. Relying exclusively on our own strength may work for a while, but sooner or later, when difficulties arise, we may feel like we can’t take it anymore. Jeremiah 17:5 tells us: “Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.”
This verse reminds us of the danger of depending entirely on our own strength and turning our hearts away from God. It doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with receiving help from others or dedicating ourselves to achieving our aspirations. Of course, we have to do our part, be diligent, and work responsibly. However, when God is at the center of our lives, we can turn to Him in the middle of our problems and trust that He will sustain us.
When Our Strength Fails
I don’t know if this has ever happened to you: you start a project with all the excitement in the world. Maybe it was starting a diet, following an exercise plan, studying something new, or even beginning to read the Bible. During the first few days, you’re enthusiastic. You’re focused. However, as time goes by, the excitement fades, the excuses start coming, and before you know it… you’ve left it unfinished.
It has happened to me, even though I’m a very focused person, a workaholic, and someone who loves writing and drawing. Still, there are days when I find myself thinking, “But what’s the point? Nobody likes it. I’m not very good. What if I write something that’s wrong?”
Do you know why? Because we’re human. We all have moments of weakness, even when we’re doing something we love. We can start with so much motivation and still experience exhaustion, insecurity, or discouragement. And that doesn’t necessarily mean we should give up on what we’re doing.
It’s Okay to Acknowledge Our Weaknesses
Sometimes we even judge people who trust us enough to share their weaknesses. But haven’t you ever felt that way? If you’ve never experienced a moment of weakness, then I don’t think you’re human. Maybe you’re a bot reading this. Weaknesses are normal, and if someone expresses them, why start an argument? Sometimes I see comments on social media like, “They’re throwing themselves a pity party,” “That’s how they get views,” or “They just want attention.” And that might be true, but these comments can also cause people to shut down and think, “Oh, if I express myself like that, that’s what people are going to think of me.”
I don’t think that’s good because it’s important to talk and listen to one another. Sometimes a person needs precisely those words of encouragement to gain momentum and keep going. Now, that doesn’t mean you should spend all your time throwing yourself a pity party or that you should constantly encourage someone who is always doing that. Sometimes you have to tell them that they need to accept reality, hold on to God, and move forward. Even so, we can offer that person support and words of encouragement when they truly need them. Besides, God can also use other people to help us through our difficulties. We don’t have to pretend to be strong all the time or feel ashamed of admitting that we need help.
In 2 Corinthians 12:9, the Lord tells Paul: “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” How important it is to remember this! Our weakness doesn’t prevent us from turning to God. Precisely when we feel that our strength isn’t enough, we can seek His help and trust in His grace.
Our Constant Source of Motivation
And do you know why we sometimes feel too lazy to keep going? Because many times, we’re relying on our initial excitement or visible results instead of something more stable… instead of God. Now, this doesn’t mean that someone who doesn’t seek God can’t be motivated or persevere. Of course they can. There are people who work and persevere for years because they need money to survive, because they want to fulfill a childhood dream, because they want to make their parents proud, or for many other reasons. And they can accomplish great things. However, what happens when difficulties arise? What happens when things don’t go as expected, when we fail, or when we feel like we can’t go on anymore?
Sometimes we’re so focused on achieving our goals that we end up carrying all our worries on our shoulders. We want to solve everything with our own strength, and without realizing it, we begin neglecting our physical and mental health. Stress, anxiety, and exhaustion can affect us tremendously. Some people live under so much pressure that they end up experiencing very serious emotional crises. That’s why I believe it’s important to recognize our limits, rest, and seek help when we need it.
And here’s something I want you to understand: God doesn’t just want to give you the strength to keep going. He also wants you to rest in Him and place your worries in His hands. In 1 Peter 5:7, we’re told: “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” And Jesus invites us in Matthew 11:28: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
We don’t have to live as though everything depends entirely on us. There will be things we cannot control, plans that won’t turn out the way we expected, and situations we won’t know how to resolve. In those moments, we can turn to God, talk to Him, ask Him for wisdom, and trust that He will sustain us as we go through those situations.
That’s why I believe our motivation should come from God. Of course, we can have many reasons to work hard and keep going. However, when our motivation is rooted in Him, we know whom to turn to when things get difficult. We can give Him our worries, seek His guidance, and rest in His promises. Proverbs 16:9 reminds us: “A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.” And Isaiah 40:31 tells us: “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”
That doesn’t mean that trusting God will always make us feel like doing things, either. There will be days when we’re tired, discouraged, or simply don’t feel like continuing. We’re human, but we can keep turning to God, even on those days when our motivation seems to disappear.
So, the next time you feel stuck or notice that your motivation is fading, don’t immediately look for an inspirational quote or a new routine: pray. Ask God to be your driving force, your encouragement, and your guide. Because when He sustains you, you can keep going even when the initial excitement disappears. You don’t have to depend entirely on how you feel because your confidence rests in who He is.
Jesus didn’t come only to save us. He also came to show us how to live with purpose, direction, perseverance, and steadfastness. His life was an example of constant obedience, even when the road was difficult. Now, through the Holy Spirit, He wants to be the source of your strength as well.
Philippians 4:13
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13)
This verse isn’t a magical phrase to repeat whenever we want to accomplish a goal. Paul was talking about how Christ strengthened him to face different circumstances, both in abundance and in need. It’s a declaration of dependence and trust: Christ is sufficient, He is my strength and my motivation.
This also applies to our earthly plans. God looks favorably upon work and diligence. We can ask Him to strengthen us while we’re working toward what we want to achieve. Colossians 3:23 reminds us: “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” God can also help us keep going when we’re tired or discouraged, even with those everyday responsibilities that sometimes become difficult.
Now, that doesn’t mean God will support anything we want to do. We should always make sure that our plans align with His will. Proverbs 19:21 tells us: “There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.” That’s why we must also learn to examine our intentions and accept that sometimes we’ll have to change direction. If we’re doing something that goes against His Word, we cannot expect God to encourage us to continue down that path. Sometimes what we need is to recognize our mistake and correct it.
Motivation With an Eternal Purpose
The motivation that comes from God is also connected to the eternal purpose He has placed in our lives. When you understand that your life has a purpose beyond your personal plans, everything changes. You no longer get up only because of what you want to achieve. You also get up because you know who called you and what you were created for. That truth can help you keep going even during your darkest days.
Ephesians 2:10 tells us: “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”
We can make plans, but we must also remember that our lives have a much greater purpose. God has called us to live according to His will, to do good, and to use what He has given us to serve Him and others.
The Motivation to Persevere Until the End
God also gives us strength to continue walking with Him. Because, if we’re being sincere, even in our spiritual lives we can experience moments of exhaustion, discouragement, and weakness. There will be days when we face temptations or situations that test our faith. That’s why we need to keep seeking God and remembering the hope we have in Christ.
Hebrews 12:1-2 encourages us to run with patience the race set before us, looking unto Jesus. Paul also tells us in Philippians 3:14: “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
Our motivation should also be to persevere until the end, to continue growing in our relationship with God, and to never lose sight of the eternal life He has promised us. There will be moments when we have to get back up after falling, repent, and continue. In those moments, we can turn to God and ask Him to renew our strength and help us remain faithful.
Galatians 6:9 also reminds us: “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Sometimes doing what’s right requires patience and perseverance. We may not see the results immediately, but that doesn’t mean our sacrifice is in vain.
Just as we seek God’s help to continue with our projects and responsibilities, we should also seek His help to remain firm in our faith. After all, what good would it do us to achieve all our earthly goals if we end up neglecting our relationship with Him?
True Motivation
True motivation doesn’t begin with you. It begins with God. He is the inexhaustible source of strength, purpose, and direction. We can find motivation in many things in this world, but our circumstances change, our emotions fluctuate, and our determination has limits. That’s why we need to learn to depend on God and leave our worries in His hands. We can work hard without feeling that we have to carry everything that happens along the way on our own.
Don’t walk solely on impulse. Walk with conviction. Put your trust in the One who walks with you every step of the way. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us: “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” God doesn’t just want to encourage you for today. He wants to give you purpose for your entire life. True motivation is born when Christ lives in you.
Originally published on my former blog, Perennidad (October 2, 2020). Revised and adapted for publication on Perennial Word.
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