The Bible and Motivation

I cannot let this moment pass without stopping and giving praise to God for the amazing work He did over the weekend at the Westside Baptist Women’s Retreat where I was invited to speak on the theme of hope.

Lest you confuse what I do when I show up to a women’s retreat, let me be straightforward and clear. I do not give motivational talks. I am a Bible study teacher through and through.

There is a big difference between the two. In motivational speaking, one relies on the speaker’s wit and abilities to gain a temporary high and go on for a few weeks of self induced happiness and endurance. But in the end, you eventually wake up just as tired and unenthusiastic and disappointed as originally was the case.

However, when the Bible is opened and God’s spirit is invited to teach and explain the truth of His word to those who want to know and receive it, an amazing phenomenon happens. People are changed. Forever. Lives are saved from hell, and new chapters are begun as women decide to obey the truths of God’s word.

I am well aware of my inadequacies in changing people. Never done it, never want to!! I have to wake up with myself every morning after all, and see the challenge I face when i try to do things on my own.

There is only one way to have lasting change and renewed hope in life. The only way is God’s way.

This weekend I again saw firsthand how God can take His word and incise through hearts of women who are longing to be more Christlike. I am proud of these women and love them for their willingness to admit where they may have been wrong, and accept where they may need help.

And I have learned this to be true:

Hope is the confident undying expectation based on the integrity of God that makes our future secure despite our circumstances.

God is faithful.

No matter your circumstances.

He wants to prove that to you again and again.

Related posts: