MOTIVATE

Then Moses said, “I will now turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush does not burn” – Exodus 3:3

To MOTIVATE is to cause someone to behave in a particular way; to provide with a motive, cause or impetus, usually for action. It means to give (someone) a reason for doing something. A person can be motivated or provided with a strong reason to act in a certain manner, to make a move, to change his or her course of action or behaviour, to join a group, to attend or participate in an event, to learn or acquire a skill, or to make a U-turn.

God, either directly or through the agency of others, motivates us positively through faith, hope, and love (1Cor.13:13). Motivation is usually accomplished through Words; hence, the notion of “motivational quotes” or “inspirational quotes” – words that have an amazing ability to change your attitude, expectation, outlook, and outcome. Words have the unique ability to change the quality of your thinking and therefore the quality of your life: “for as he thinks in his heart, so is he” (Pro.23:7a). If the well-crafted words of human thinkers, teachers, philosophers, psychologists, and leaders could motivate us into action, how much more the Living Words of God (Jh.6:63). Whether we know it or not, words – either positively or negatively – guide the courses of our lives. The words we allow to dominate our hearts and minds drive our lives.

God motivates us through His Words. He motivated reluctant Moses to take on the assignment of liberating the people of Israel from Egypt. But first, He attracted his attention by “appearing to him in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush” that was burning but was not consumed (Exo.3:2). Moses was immediately motivated as he said, “I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt” (v.3). God then followed on with His destiny-changing words. God uses diverse motivational instruments to cause us to “turn aside” and realign our life-course in the direction of His Perfect Will.

Moses’ encounter at the burning bush when he was 80 years old, changed his life and the lives of generations to follow – forever. Moses answered God’s call from the bush with the words “Here I am” but whether out of apprehension or humility; he quickly added five excuses for not immediately heeding the call. One after the other, God broke down Moses’s excuses and succeeded in motivating him to enter into his ordained ministry. Excuse No. 1: “Who am I…” (Exo. 3:11); meaning “I’m not good enough” but God saw beyond Moses’ inferiority complex. He saw his potential for good and how his broken vessel could fulfil His ultimate purpose. Excuse No.2: “…what shall I say to them?” (Exo.3:13); meaning “I don’t have all the answers.” Despite his highly cultivated intellect, he still questioned his abilities; but this wasn’t about him, but about God!

Excuse No.3: “…But suppose they will not believe me or listen to my voice…” (4:1). God didn’t allow Moses hide behind this natural human fear of hostility. He reinforced his confidence with two miraculous instruments: the rod that could turn into a serpent, and the ability to turn his hand leprous, and then make it whole again, by simply placing it inside his cloak. God did not dismiss Moses’ excuse. He simply equipped him to overcome it. Excuse No.4: “O my Lord, I am not eloquent…I am slow of speech and slow of tongue” (Exo.4:10); meaning “I’m a terrible public speaker.” God assured him that He the Maker of all organs would be with his mouth (4:14). Excuse No.5 was desperate: “Please, anyone but me!” (Exo.4:13). God responded to this in righteous anger. The excuses ceased and God called Aaron to serve alongside his brother, as mouthpiece.

God will work with you where you are and take you to where He wants you to be. Just be willing to be motivated, and leave behind the excuses.