Sometimes getting through a week, a season, or a particular situation can be difficult. Sometimes I have trouble getting Words of Encouragement started and feeling inspired. Let’s see if we can get into some words of encouragement for inspiration this morning.
Inspiration (noun) – the process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, especially to do something creative.
Stories of Inspiration
So how does one get inspired? There are many ways or situations that can inspire us. Sometimes it’s a good story or movie about an individual overcoming all odds. Remember the story of the 4th-grade boy’s homemade University of Tennessee T-shirt?
Other ways to find inspiration are in Retreats or Conferences where there are keynote speakers who are gifted at inspiring people. Leaders in various roles are also good at inspiring us – coaches, business owners, personal trainers, Heck – even my little league coach (his name was Mr. Heck). 😊
Everyday Inspiration
But where do we find that inspiration to get through that everyday mundane routine? Because let’s be honest, all that inspiration from those ‘inspirers’ mentioned above begins to wane after just a week or so. Many times even just after a few days.
I believe the difference is found in commitment. Everyone is committed to something. It’s just that some are fully committed while others are only partially committed, even wavering. And let me go one step further. You will find those who are fully committed are not even inspired every day, but in their inspiration, they have made a commitment to stick to it.
Maya Angelou was a famous writer, poet, civil rights activist, and award-winning author best known for her acclaimed memoir, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. Here’s what you will find about her:
- It didn’t matter if she didn’t feel like it.
- Or it didn’t matter if the weather outside was bad.
- And it didn’t matter if her writing was poor.
- She showed up every day to her make-shift office (a hotel room) because she was a professional and not an amateur.
The Difference Maker
The difference between amateurs and professionals is entirely based on their habits and mindset. Amateurs wait to feel inspired. Professionals stick to a schedule. Amateurs focus on goals when they feel inspired, professionals develop habits and so stick to them no matter how they feel.
I thought a good thing to add to my writing this morning would be ‘roadblocks’ to feeling inspired. But the list was growing too long. ☹ You know your list, so no need for me to write mine out. Is your inspiration, even if you aren’t feeling it today, great enough to drive you forward?
Og Mandino puts it this way:
“In truth, the only difference between those who have failed and those who have succeeded lies in the difference of their habits.”
“I will form good habits and become their slaves.”
The Greatest Salesman in the World
1 Corinthians 15:58 MSG
With all this going for us, my dear, dear friends, stand your ground. And don’t hold back. Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for him is a waste of time or effort.
Is it your kids and an inheritance or legacy for them that inspires you? How about a mission to impact a certain group of people? Or maybe it’s short-term like to get in better shape…to be healthier? Or maybe your goal is to be debt-free. So what are you going to do about it? If you want to do something to which you aspire, then you know what you need to do.
Three things to do to make this happen:
- Find your inspiration – make it a habit.
- Get an accountability partner – ask someone to hold you accountable for that habit.
- Remember your inspiration daily – even when that habit doesn’t inspire you.
Ephesians 3:20 AMP
Now to Him who is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly more than all that we dare ask or think [infinitely beyond our greatest prayers, hopes, or dreams], according to His power that is at work within us,
Challenge of the Week:
Make a habit of your inspiration. Your lack of feeling, or even feelings of fear, will not stop you. Don’t limit yourself, but take your inspirations to the limit. Trust me, Jesus is pulling for you. So be it!
Romans 8:31 NIV…
