6 Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise,

7 Which, having no captain, overseer or ruler,

8 Provides her supplies in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest.

Proverbs 6:6-8

This verse tells me that you have to understand the power of self-motivation. Self-motivation is one of the most difficult things on the face of the earth. As a pastor, I see this in people, every day. If you are always looking for something external to motivate and encourage you, then learn from the ants: they have no ruler and no guide. A lot of people don’t motivate themselves because it takes a lot of discipline to do so. You should do what you have an inclination for, and if you are doing what you have inclination for, then it is easier to motivate yourself.

Some Christians always have a reason why they are not productive, and why they are not prospering. A certain sister in our church used to work with the Civil Service where her remuneration was next to nothing. In spite of the little she was being paid, she would just give and give and give. She didn’t wait for opportunities to give to show up; she created opportunities to give. Now she is no longer working in the Civil Service. God took her to a place where she is well paid. It happened because she motivated herself to give from her meagre salary. A lot of people would have complained about the salary and given that as a valid excuse for being tight-fisted. She did not and she reaped a great reward.

God is not a man that He should tell a lie; if He says anything He is going to make it good (Numbers 23:19). When you realize this then you won’t work to please men. Whether you are working for a believer or an unbeliever, you will work as unto the Lord, knowing that He will make good His Word to you, and reward you openly. He will send men to reward you (Ephesians 6:6-7).

Confession:
I will encourage and motivate myself with the Word of God. I work without complaining and my work is unto the Lord. I serve Him and He rewards me.