By: Elizabeth Louis
“The Christian life is not a constant high. I have my moments of deep discouragement. I have to go to God in prayer with tears in my eyes, and say, ‘O God, forgive me,’ or ‘Help me’” (Billy Graham).
Are You Ready to Get Motivated for 2026?
Many people contact me asking, “How do I get motivated?” Getting motivated can be challenging, especially if it’s around a task you don’t want to do. Remember, we (believers) do not work for human masters but for the Lord. Sometimes reminding yourself of this truth can be powerful:
“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ (Colossians 3:23–24, NLT).”
I get it, though—sometimes that’s easier said than done. Much of what I teach is simple, but not necessarily easy. Let’s unpack how motivation is actually created—this might help everything click.
Motivation Comes from Activation
A ball doesn’t get momentum until some force acts on it. Once it moves, it picks up speed—momentum.
The same is true for you. You won’t feel motivated until you start moving. Motivation is born from activation.
You might not feel like doing something; that’s why Paul tells us not to live by how we feel.
“For we live by believing and not by seeing (2 Corinthians 5:7, NLT).”
Assuming what you’re doing aligns with God’s Word, start even when you don’t feel like it. Let God’s Word—not your emotions—guide your actions.
When you’re tempted to quit or your feelings overwhelm you, resubmit yourself to God. “So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you (James 4:7, NLT).”
If your feelings line up with the Word—great, follow that. But if they contradict it, reject those emotions and move forward anyway. Emotions are real but not always reliable. Live by the Word of God, not your feelings.
The 20-Minute Rule: Just Start
It’s okay if you don’t want to do something—don’t shame yourself for it. That’s what the enemy wants. If he can get you to condemn yourself, he doesn’t have to.
Instead, acknowledge your feelings as feelings—not facts. Remind yourself they can change quickly. Then take one step.
Here’s a simple but powerful tool: set a timer for 20 minutes.
Tell yourself, “I’ll just do this for 20 minutes.” Sit down at your desk, open the document, and start typing—even if all you can do is stare at the page. Stand on the treadmill and just begin walking. Whatever it is—just start.
If after 20 minutes you still feel drained or stuck, stop and try again later. But most of the time, you’ll find that once you begin, your motivation awakens.
Activation leads to momentum. Momentum fuels motivation.
Don’t underestimate small starts. Even a mustard seed of effort can move mountains when paired with faith.
When Fear Blocks Motivation
Sometimes the real reason we procrastinate isn’t laziness—it’s fear.
Fear of failure. Fear of rejection. Fear of not being good enough.
But fear is never from God.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7, NLT).”
When fear shows up, talk back to it. Tell it, “You don’t belong here.” Command it to leave in Jesus’ name.
Remember, the Father’s grace is enough for your weakness.
“Each time He said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me (2 Corinthians 12:9, NLT).”
Even when you feel unmotivated or tired, grace empowers you to move forward.
Encourage yourself as the Father encourages you.
Faith Over Feelings
Motivation follows obedience—not the other way around.
If you wait for perfect inspiration, you’ll stay stuck. But when you take action in faith—even a small step—your emotions catch up.
“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13, NLT).”
Recite that verse when you don’t feel capable. Speak it until your mind believes it. You’ll start moving in divine strength instead of self-effort.
Practical Steps to Stay Motivated in 2026
- Start small. Big goals create anxiety; small steps build consistency.
- Commit time, not feelings. Show up even when it’s inconvenient.
- Use the 20-minute rule. Start the task—momentum will follow.
- Speak Scripture aloud. God’s Word reorders your focus.
- Pray before performance. Let the Holy Spirit direct your effort.
Prayer
Father God, thank You for Your grace and strength. Help me stay faithful even when I don’t feel motivated. Teach me to act in faith, not emotion. When I face distraction or fatigue, remind me that all I do is for You. Empower me to work diligently, with joy and endurance. In Jesus’ name, amen.
If your motivation keeps disappearing because your mind feels heavy, fearful, or stuck in overthinking — this course was written for you.
Snap Out of Worry helps you retrain your brain through Scripture, science, and Spirit-led renewal.
In this ebook, you’ll learn how to:
- Break the limbic loop of fear and worry by renewing your mind to God’s Word
- Rewire your brain biblically through the power of neuroplasticity and daily declarations
- Identify and “snap out” of negative thought traps that steal your peace and purpose
- Replace anxiety with authority by learning to think, speak, and live like Christ
- Transform stress into spiritual growth through prayer, awareness, and surrender
🕊️ Prayerfully consider grabbing it today and discover how to take your thoughts captive, retrain your mind, and walk in the peace Jesus already purchased for you.
