Find Your Inspiration
Life is hard. Ever feel like you are just drifting or coasting along? Or maybe you feel like you’ve gone backwards at times? Life is short but there are so many inspiring stories around us. This past Friday I had the joy of listening to military veterans share inspiring stories from their years of service in both combat and peacetime. Then, over the weekend, I witnessed men and women of all ages running seemingly impossible distances covering 50-100 miles. These examples encouraged and motivated me to make the most of every day the Lord has given me. These examples reminded me of many truths from God about inspiration to live every day with purpose!
Gratitude. By nature we are good at throwing pity parties. When life becomes difficult we are clever at crying about our suffering. We need to look around more and be thankful. Veterans remarked about their gratitude for life. Runners demonstrated an appreciation for the abilities they had been given from Jesus. Are you thankful for today? Does your life reflect gratitude for the gifts God has entrusted you with?
Ephesians 5:20 “giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ”
Serving Others. It is so easy to put ourselves first. Mentally, we default to self-focus. It is inspiring to see others sacrifice to help others. I loved hearing the heart of veterans who put the need of others first. My heart overflowed with the dedication of volunteers, family, and friends helping their loved ones achieve seemingly-impossible goals. Whenever we put the needs of others before our own, it motivates others and ourselves towards deeper purpose.
1 John 3:16 "By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.”
Discipline. Watch someone that inspires you. Have you noticed the discipline and hard work they demonstrate? The stories of veterans included difficult journeys through basic and advanced training for their job specialities. Ultra-distance runners invested time and ran hundreds of miles before attempting their race. What goals would you like to achieve in life? How would you like to live more purposefully for Jesus? Small steps of discipline and hard work can get you there!
Hebrews 12:11 “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”
Life may be short and hard, but our days can be full and joyous. Let your eyes witness and watch those around you who are thankful, selfless and hardworking. As we watch them, let’s find ways to be inspired and to pass on that inspiration to others around us. May we finish this year well and purpose next year for greater enjoyment of Jesus and for showing His forever love to those around us.
Colossians 3:17 “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”