Motivation without submission is pride. Submission without motivation is laziness. 

This struck me really hard while I was listening to this podcast sermon by Pastor Donnie Petty. As I was listening to the rest of the sermon these words kept reiterating through my mind. If  motivation is such an admirable quality why is it one that is lacking in todays world? I began to look at myself, what are my ambitions, my passions, life goals? We are all allowed to have these but so often I found myself saying I am going where God leads me. Don't get me wrong, I want to go only where God has called me but I so often used that statement as my crutch for lack of motivation in life. People would ask me what I wanted to do and my response would always be, "whatever God wants". Now this is not a bad response, this is a great act of submission but I was lacking in the motivation. I was challenged to make a tentative list of what I would be doing in the year 2015. Note the word tentative, this means it can easily be changed and twisted in different directions. The reason behind this was to physically write down what I wanted out of my year and to see the ways that God manifested. Being able to see how God is working and moving in and through your life is powerful, never underestimate God's ability to radically change your life.

Seeking out the passions God has given you is so important because those are the things God will use in you to shake this world. I challenge each one of you to sit down and think about what God has laid on your heart. People so often have this notion that one has to be a pastor or missionary to really show people the love of our Savior. Well I have some good news, the minute you give Jesus your heart you too become a pastor and a missionary. God has put each one of us right where He wants us, He knows our talents and our weaknesses but He can use our weaknesses for His strengths. One of my absolute favorite verses is found in 2 Corinthians 12;9-10 and it says, "but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong." God is actively and constantly pouring strength, love, motivation, peace, and joy into us!

I'll say it again, Motivation without submission is pride. Submission without motivation is laziness. Continually seek God for both motivation and submission. Praying for you all along this journey of life, seeking God and His wisdom daily. Keep clinging onto His promises! 

-You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. - Jeremiah 29:13