Learn about the importance of motivation and setting fitness goals for the new year. Desperation as a motivation for seeking God. The transformative power of God's grace and forgiveness. Trusting God and finding blessing. Understanding desperation and hope in sustained spirituality.
Motivation in faith can be sustained through community, desperation, and awe.
Desperation and awe can be powerful motivators for a deep and impactful prayer life.
Deep dives
Motivations for Fitness
In this episode, Pastor Ben Stewart discusses the three necessary components for motivation in fitness. He highlights the importance of having an inspiring location, a countable community, or a compelling goal to keep oneself motivated to achieve their fitness goals. He shares examples of individuals who are motivated by breathtaking locations, the support of friends, or the goal of regaining their health after a serious injury. Stewart emphasizes the need for at least one of these components to maintain motivation and reach fitness goals.
Desperation as a Motivation for Prayer
Pastor Ben Stewart explores the relationship between desperation and motivation for prayer in this episode. He discusses how desperation, feelings of being overwhelmed by darkness and challenges, can lead individuals to seek the Lord through prayer. Stewart emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's power and authority, highlighting Jehoshaphat's example of standing in awe of the God who rules over the nations. He encourages listeners to embrace a sense of desperation and awe, recognizing that God is bigger than their circumstances, and that such motivation can lead to a powerful prayer life.
Praying in Desperation
In this episode, Pastor Ben Stewart discusses the significance of desperation as a motivation for prayer. He shares personal experiences of desperation, such as when he injured his back and was left unable to walk. Stewart recalls turning to God in desperation, praying for healing and seeking His help. He emphasizes that prayer in times of desperation connects individuals to a God who is greater than their circumstances. Stewart also highlights biblical examples of individuals who turned to prayer out of desperation and witnessed God's intervention. He encourages listeners to embrace desperation as a catalyst for earnest prayer.
Combining Desperation and Awe in Prayer
Pastor Ben Stewart explores the combination of desperation and awe as powerful motivators for prayer in this episode. He highlights the story of Jehoshaphat, who faced a vast horde of enemies and turned to God in desperation. Stewart emphasizes the need to recognize awe-inspiring greatness of God, who rules over all the kingdoms of the nations. He discusses how the combination of desperation and awe can lead to profound prayer and reliance on God's power. Stewart encourages listeners to embrace both elements in their prayer lives, knowing that God is sovereign and capable of delivering them from any situation.
In this week's message, Pastor Ben Stuart dives deep into 2 Chronicles:1-30, showing us how community, desperation, and awe can all motivate us to press on in our faith.