I was asked recently “how do you suggest someone get motivated to start a schedule of steps toward
accomplishing their goals?”.

As Americans, we know that in this country in the month of December, most dominantly between Christmas and New Year’s there is much stirring, anticipation, and energy that surfaces. I believe this is both a natural and supernatural phenomenon that happens in conjunction with the change of time, advancing of the world, and people’s awareness and reflection upon both. During this period many are thinking about themselves and their quality within the framework of change. Why? Because for years a very strong cultural tradition has existed in America to do different at the turning of a new year, often labeled “resolutions”. This tradition affects every person in our country in some way. That’s a big deal. This tradition has been accepted by both non-Christians and Christians because it usually produces some amount of good in humanity for a certain period of time, and most are okay with that. Okay, back to the discussion…

My first, and stand-alone statement to the posed question was: “don’t do it in your own strength”.

This was not what my listener expected. They had leaned in, eyes wide open, waiting for me to enthusiastically or cunningly share a winning strategy, or best proven approach. Sometimes people are actually drawn to hear the dramatic, or extreme set of suggested requirements for them to change? It seems this is mainly for entertainment, controlled self-fulfillment (of failure or weakness), or social sake. Unfortunately, a percentage of suggestions they hear will entice them to spend their time and energy thinking and talking about the impossibility and socializing about their failure or refusal to try-ultimately causing no progress. It’s quite bizarre. Anyways, bondage cycles is another topic. Though many long deeply to change, there are some that aren’t ready for it. They’re not tired enough of being the same or they’ve convinced themselves change is not worth the cost. In these cases, they may show up and want to hear the instruction and seek encouragement but are not ready to steward support and play their role in application to enable transformation.

I have no better counsel at any point in the journey of motivation, goals, strategies, disciplines, or vision, than this: “don’t do it in your own strength”.

I’ve been around and involved in conversations, initiatives, and communities who stand and fight for health and personal growth for a long time. In these settings many are starving for inspiration and looking anywhere and everywhere to find it; ready to head on to the next source because they are bored or too challenged by the previous. But here’s the key, the true source of inspiration can’t be found on the pathway marked by societies values. Often the most powerful inspiration to help us change is disregarded because it’s actually tethered to the ground of a narrow path and holy lifestyle that many don’t want. But when people don’t want divine purpose or holiness, they’re also saying no to the inspiration we all desperately need. A life in partnership with inspiration requires one to abide in the spirit of God and practice disciplines that are not popular, sometimes undesirable, and always uncommon.

I am a woman delivered from the confines of my own strength, and I’ll never go back. I’m also a woman committed to leading anyone out of this limited, hindering, and destructive thinking. I no longer believe that I am my only source of strength. I have renewed my beliefs thanks to a generous God who promises me His strength.

Revelation is not easy to articulate. Its power, purpose, and impact can rarely be conveyed sufficiently through words. Oftentimes it takes on a persuasive tone that either draws people in or turns them off. Many of us are merely attempting to do something meaningful with the benefit we’ve received through what we’ve been shown. We try to give it away through words, so here, I am, on December 31st. Another year has come to a close and a new dawn is breaking before us. Another blog, another post, attempting to say something significant for those turning to media for entertainment, escape, or encouragement. Or is it? Nothing about Wholly Healthy is common and this message continues on in like fashion.

When we function in reliance on our own strength, we position ourselves for frustration, discouragement, shame, disappointment, guilt, failure, and exhaustion. Also, relying on self to change self perpetuates limitation of self. This is the formula to stay stuck.

I’m intensely aware of the amount of strength needed not only to change but to continue and to persevere through life. Strength is completely required for any good progress. Thankfully we don’t have to turn away from our own strength to be left searching without an answer. God promises us that He is our strength. The discipline I practice, and coach is to resist the temptation to turn to self for strength for motivation, instead turn to God for inspiration.

“Seek the Lord and His strength; yearn for and seek His face and to be in His presence continually!” (1 Chronicles 16:11, AMPC).

Wholly Healthy champions others in complete reliance on grace (divine enablement), inspiration, and conviction to produce good character, action, and change. We will spend the next month receiving God’s word and His promise to be our strength. Joyous New Year and a blessed 2020 to you!