Do you struggle to stay motivated to work and in your ministry? It is not easy to keep our motivation and focus. In the Bible, God shows us some principles and practical ways to stay motivated to work and minister.
I felt particularly discouraged this day. Arrows of self-doubt and fears were attacking my mind and motivation. I felt inadequate for the work laid before me. Demotivated and worried. Sometimes our struggle to stay motivated to work is not just for a day, but many days, weeks, and months. I want to share with you 9 ways to stay motivated and carry on with your work and ministry the right way.
List of 9 Ways to Stay Motivated in Work
- Connect to God as the Source of strength and provision
- Remember who you are and the work you’ve been given
- Work with hope for a harvest
- Work voluntarily, not out of obligation
- Stay motivated by submitting your rights
- Tailor your work and ministry to your target groups
- Have clear and specific goals
- Don’t rush – keep the pace God is leading you
- Choose daily to trust God
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# 1 The Source of Strength and Provision
Psalm 81 is a great reminder to check up our hearts and look again to God as the Source of our Strength and Provision. We easily get demotivated when we start to compare our existing abilities and resources with the requirements of the work we need to do.
But God has unlimited resources and capabilities, and He delights when we seek to connect with Him and ask for His help. He invites us to open our mouth wide and He will fill it. (Psalm 81:10) When we open our mouths in prayer, praise, and thanksgiving, God is filling us with what we need. We need simply to make space and receive it.
Sometimes we feel demotivated because we have followed our intentions instead of God’s direction. It is good to inspect our ways and pray that God is not giving us over to our ambitions, stubborn hearts, and our own devices. (Psalm 81:12)
#2 Remember Who You Are and the Work You’ve Been Given
Everybody has a purpose, mission, and specific work and assignment. We are first before we do. One reason for losing motivation could be that we misplace our identity and start to see work as our primary source of identity. Arrogance and comparison also bring discouragement. God warns us in His word against this and urges us to take responsibility and do our best every day.
We can lose our motivation when we start to see work as our primary source of identity. #identity #motivation #responsibility Share on X„Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given and then sink yourself into that. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can do with your life.“ (Galatians 6:4-5, MSG)
#3 Work With Hope for a Harvest
One reason to experience difficulties in staying motivated to work is when we don’t see results (at least immediate or the expected ones). It is good to remember in this case that we very often don’t have control over the results, but we have control over our efforts.
Nevertheless, God encourages us to work with hope for a harvest. It is good to have hope and entrust the results to God who promises to reward our diligent work and give us abundant fruit and share in the harvest. (1 Corinthians 9:10).
#4 Work Voluntarily, Not Out of Obligation
Our motivation dwindles when we start working out of obligation. If this is the reason for our struggle to stay motivated to work then it is good to remember that we are called to work with all our hearts, voluntarily, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, from a place of love. God promises us inheritance and reward for this kind of work. (Colossians 3:23-24, 1 Corinthians 9:17)
#5 Stay Motivated to Work by Submitting Your Rights
Sometimes we struggle to stay motivated because we have started to focus too much on our benefits, self-promotion, and rights. However, God urges us to submit our rights and devote ourselves to seeking His glory instead of our profit and own glorification. (John 8:54, 1 Corinthians 9:12, 1 Corinthians 9:15)
Adopting a humble attitude is crucial in life and at work. We need to realize it is not about us. There is a beautiful song from Casting Crowns, called “Nobody”. It says: “I am just nobody trying to tell everybody all about somebody who saved my soul. I am living for the world to see nobody but Jesus.” What is the world seeing in our work?
#6 Tailor Your Work and Ministry to Your Target Groups
Often, we get discouraged because we cannot reach and connect to our target group. In this case, we can take the example of Apostle Paul who was able to find an entry point and connection to every group of people he was bringing the gospel to. He did this by identifying with these people and stepping into their shoes. Paul has become all things to all people. (1 Corinthians 9:19-23)
#7 Stay Motivated to Work by Having Clear and Specific Goals
Working without a specific goal is demotivating. We can stay motivated to work by working purposefully and having clear and specific goals. We should avoid the trap to compare and set goals that are not suitable for us in the specific season. Every season comes with its specific goals. The best we can do is to stay tuned and when necessary readjust our goals searching for God’s direction and wisdom.
„Therefore, I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.” (1 Corinthians 9:26)
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#8 Don’t Rush – Keep the Pace God Is Leading You
Sometimes, we get demotivated by our small beginnings and little progress. However, God urges us not to despise humble beginnings. (Zechariah 4:10) We need time to mature and grow so we can carry the weight of the fruits He is going to produce in our life and work. Every success and every growth mean more work. We need a stable character and the capacity to carry the weight of success and blessings without breaking.
We need time to mature and grow so we can carry the weight of the fruits God is going to produce in our lives and work. #spiritualmaturity #encouragement #ChristianLiving #motivation Share on X
#9 Stay Motivated to Work by Trusting God
The best way to stay motivated to work is the constant choice to trust God. It is wise to examine regularly our hearts and expose the sources of demotivation. And then let’s engage, resist and correct our course with God’s Word and by the power of His Spirit. Let’s not allow fear and unbelief to sabotage our work and ministries.
Don’t forget to download a printable of selected Bible verses to help you stay motivated to work.
For more Bible verses in different translations and languages, you can visit BibleGateway.com. It is a great place to read and study Scripture with more that 200 versions and 70 languages that you can freely read, research, and reference anywhere.
More Helpful Resources to Boost Your Motivation
If you need more resources on how to put these principles into practice and boost your motivation to work, I could recommend these very helpful books:
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
Success is a Choice by John C. Maxwell
Success Is Not an Accident: Change Your Choices; Change Your Life by Tommy Newberry
Transforming Your Thought Life by Sarah Geringer
Dream Big by Bob Goff
The best way to stay motivated to work is the constant choice to trust God. #motivated #focused #trustGod #ChristianLiving Share on X
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Your Turn
What are your ways to stay motivated to work? Come share your thoughts and experiences. If this article has been helpful for you, I would be happy if you share it on social media. Thank you!
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Thanks a bunch. Your writings has been helpful, so inspiring. Thanks for writing!
Thanks a lot, Bola! I am happy that you found the article helpful and inspiring.
Great tips! Remembering to work “as unto the Lord” helps. If no one else notices or seems to be helped, at least I have been faithful to Him. And He often uses things in our lives without our noticing.
So true, Barabara! Thanks for sharing your experience!
Great reminders for when I’m feeling weary and worn out! Thank you for this resource.
Thanks, Anita! I am glad that you found this resource helpful.
Thank you – this post was such an encouragement, pinned to save to read again!
Thanks, Sharon! I am happy that it encouraged you!
I don’t consider myself and especially religious person by I do appreciate some of the wisdom and insights the bible can bring. Thank you for this. I downloaded your printable verses. Will keep this with me when I’m feeling stuck. Thanks again.
Thank you! I am glad that this article has been helpful to you! And I am confident the verses will be a big help too especially when you take time to read, memorize, pray and meditate on them. This is the best way to internalize the powerful truths they carry.
Thank you for compiling this list. I need this practical approaches you provide in this blog. Great work.
For my work I will keep “don’t rush” in mind, leading to the “humble beginnings”.
Thank you! I am happy that you found this article helpful! It is great that some of these ways spoke directly to you.
I think the first two are probably my major motivators: remembering that God has called me, whether it’s to writing or washing dishes, and I am to do everything as unto him. And remembering that He is the source of my strength.
Thank you for sharing your experience, Barbara! It is so encouraging!
Love this practical list! I’m so glad God’s word can be applied to all our areas of life! Sharing your post!
Thank you so much for your encouraging words, my friend!
Very interesting and inspiring
Thank you, Ann!
I have to give my day over to God every morning. I try not to be anxious, but that’s easier said than done. Most days, I love my job, but I need a lot of energy. The Lord helps me every single day.
Thank you for sharing your experience, Lisa! I know the part with easier said than done 🙂 When I feel tired, I try to recall this powerful truth that we have power for everything through the Lord who strengthens us.
Insightful post. These are all great ways to stay motivated to work towards your purpose especially if your beliefs are in line with your tips.
Thank you! Yes, I try to work according to these principles too. When demotivated, I try to remember these truths and apply them accordingly.