Having a race to train for, participating in a challenge or keeping a streak alive is a great motivator to get out the door and go running, go to the gym and to make better dietary choices. But what about those times when your motivation wains? Your goals and dreams are big, but why can’t you make yourself take action?
You might expect this or be less surprised by it when it comes on the heels of a setback that has prevented your from running. But it can throw you for a loop when it happens midway through marathon training. Somehow the fact that you’ve spent over $100 to register for the rest, not to mention the the money you’ve spent on plane tickets and a hotel room, just doesn’t motivate you to train!
I know personally how discouraging both these scenarios are. You feel like something is wrong with you because you just can’t muster the willpower to get moving and take care of business.
Here’s the deal. We were never meant to be able to tackle all the challenges of this life on our own. Instead, God gives us the power and the strength to make changes and take action to achieve our goals.
Proverbs 16:9 says, ” We plan the way we want to live, but only God makes us able to live it.” (MSG)
God’s power is limitless. But when we depend on ourselves and our own abilities, we deprive ourselves the opportunity to tap into that power.
Zechariah 4:6 says, “Don’t depend on your own power or strength, but on my spirit.” (CEV).
You have to believe and trust God to see you through and quit trying to rely on yourself.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not depend on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5 (ISV)
When you feel like you just can’t make healthy food choices or you just can’t get out of bed at dark thirty to go run, remember God gives us the strength and power to do what seems impossible on our own.
In Matthew 19:26, Jesus tells his disciples, ” With man this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible.” (NIV)
And the apostle Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:13, “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” (NIV)
The key to be able to transition from relying on your own ability to God’s power is faith. You have to trust God to give you the power to make changes in your life and accomplish the dreams he has placed on your heart. And, check this out, he’s so powerful he can do more than we have dared to dream!
“God can do anything, you know-far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams!” Ephesians 3:20 (MSG)
So next time your motivation dwindles and you’re wondering what’s it going to take to make healthy choices or to get out the door to run, have these scriptures handy. Meditate on them and ask God to help you let go of being in control. Ask him to jump in, take over and give you the strength to make the impossible, possible!
“Let’s not get tired of doing good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” Galatians 6:9 (NLT)
If you found this post helpful please share it with someone you know who is struggling with finding the willpower to take action.
