Day #4: Thursday, January 7th

What Fuels Your Drive?

Scripture References: Jer. 29:11-14

Devotional

Drive can be defined as the fact of feeling that compels you to act in a particular way.  For example, parents are driven to work just thinking about their families.  The love of family and children drives them to work their jobs.  In life, there are many circumstances, values, and emotions that can drive your life.

Driving Forces to Avoid:

• Guilt
• Resentment
• Anger
• Fear
• Materialism
• Need for Approval

​
Allowing any of these forces to drive your life will only lead to unused potential, unnecessary stress, and an unfulfilled life.  However, knowing your purpose carries with it many of the following positive benefits:

SIGNIFICANCE
When life has meaning, you can endure almost anything. God spoke these words through Jeremiah. 

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jer 29:11)

SIMPLIFICATION
Knowing your purpose helps define what you do and what you don’t do.  You are able to evaluate which activities are essential and which are not.  

FOCUS
Purpose concentrates your effort and energy on what’s important allowing you to be selective.  Without a clear purpose, you will keep changing direction, jobs, and relationships. If you want your life to have impact, focus it. Instead of trying to do it all, do less.

Don’t live carelessly, unthinkingly. Make sure you understand what the Master wants.” (Eph. 5:17)  He goes on to say, “I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.” (Phil 3:13)

PASSION
Purpose always produces passion and nothing energizes your life like a clear purpose.

Ultimately, what matters most will not be what others say about your life but what God says.  Simply living your life to create an earthly legacy will only lead to emptiness and frustration.  

The food that keeps me going is that I do the will of the One who sent me, finishing the work he started. As you look around right now, wouldn’t you say that in about four months it will be time to harvest? Well, I’m telling you to open your eyes and take a good look at what’s right in front of you.” (John 4:34)

​We open our eyes and look around by listening to our hearts for the drive and purpose of the Lord.  Allow His fire and passion to burn within you.  If you don’t see it clearly, simply wait a little longer as you continue your journey of “40 Days of Life.”

Prayer

“Lord, may your purposes fuel my life today.
May I be driven by Your purpose rather than guilt, fear, material things, or the need for approval.
I choose to simplify my life by focusing on Your will and eliminating the distractions of life.
My future looks bright as I follow after you.”