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What do you have in common with a train?

Maybe not anything physically, hopefully, but consider a train’s function. It’s designed to move forward down the tracks. It’s not doing anyone any good just sitting in neutral. And it’s especially not helpful if it’s running backwards away from its intended destination.

In the same way, you were created with purpose and direction.

Trains also run from consuming something – whether it be fuel, steam or electricity.

Much like the train, something must fuel you to get up every morning. Without that fuel, you’re in trouble.

There are three kinds of “fuel” that often propel us; three factors that motivate us and get us moving. These three things determine how we make our decisions.

They are facts, faith or feelings.

Most of time, most people tend to act on their feelings. When we get hurt we often avoid people who hurt us. When we get frustrated we express it in some way. We even label ourselves as “hangry” when we get upset from having an empty stomach. Feelings aren’t the best motivator, because everyone experiences high highs and low lows. Acting entirely on feelings will turn you into a roller coaster.

What about faith? Faith is wonderful. But it also isn’t the best motivator – because you could be putting you faith in the wrong thing. That’s how many cults have formed. Wars and atrocities have occurred as a result of faith. People have put their faith in a spouse to make them happy, in money to take away their problems, employers, family and more…that don’t stand up to the test. Misplaced faith can be just as dangerous as living up to your feelings. Because faith must be based on something real, which is very unlike what our society is teaching today. It’s often preached to “just have faith in yourself and everything will be okay.” If you’re anything like me, you’ve let yourself down more times than you’ve delivered.

We need something better than blind faith. We need facts. The facts are what should motivate us in everything we do. Facts are our primary fuel. Feelings will follow. These facts are found in the Word of God. If you place your faith in those facts, you will find every promise of God is true.

Firstly, we know from 1 John 1:9, that “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

We also know from Romans 8:28, “…that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Psalm 84:11 tells us, “For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.”

We know from Psalm 23 that God is always with us, leading us through the dark valleys for our good.

When you are armed with the facts from God’s word, you are enabled to live the kind of life you were created to live. We know from His word how to live and what to expect when living according to His word.

If you’d like to discuss this or learn more, contact tj@wellsborobible.com.