Motivation for your Monday: What's your motive?

I love pure, holy, conviction and I have been through the refiner's fire for a bit of time. Off and on, the heat would get cranked up, and at times I was able to take a step to the side to get out of the heat for a bit.... yet it was still there. Last night before bed, I was reading in one of my favorite devotionals. Exodus Devotional part 2, and was led to read about "The Lost Sheep" as well as the parable of the lost coin and the prodigal son. It was indeed very timely for me because I can honestly say that I was indeed feeling like all the above. Lost.

I lost my way for a little while. I found pride. I found self focus. I found boasting. I found the praise of man (woman). But in that I lost the peace that only comes from a life whose focus is on God alone. I lost the JOY that comes from simply being a child of God. I lost the simplicity that we are called to live in under His care.

This morning I feel a bit of relief that I don't have to work to be something that I am not. I feel peace because if I don't make time to "write" this evening it's okay. If HE wants me to be a writer, it will happen. Well, in some sense I am a writer.... always have been and always will be, but if He wants to give me that desire guess what!?! It will happen! He will open doors! HE will lead me in that path. But I can tell you this. I am exhausted trying to make it happen on my own. I humbly come to you and say I am tired of pushing it and finding myself in the same spot.

I have talked a lot about chasing dreams, having a vision, planning, and the like. Today I plead with you.... put God first and foremost before any of that. Allow HIM to give you the dream. Allow HIM to give you a vision. Allow HIM to do the planning. and above that.... just focus on LOVING God with all of your heart! That should ALWAYS be our motive!

Does this mean I stop writing? No. But it does mean that instead of "speaking" things into existence... I will allow God to bring it into existence in His time, for His glory not mine! I will be a willing vessel!