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Key Bible Verse: It is God who gives us, along with you, the ability to stand firm for Christ 2 Corinthians 1:21. Bonus Reading: 2 Corinthians 1:3-10

At some point, every man will suffer moderate to severe loss of motivation. When it happens, it's frightening, especially for men used to being excited about life.

In 1990 my 30-year-old son was brutally murdered while moonlighting as a taxi driver. One April night a customer simply set out to kill someone. My son answered the call for a taxi.

Prior to this tragic event, much of my motivation was fueled by leading The Navigators, a discipling ministry to college students and members of the military, and helping people grow spiritually. It was a tremendous challenge and still is! But after Steve's death, nothing seemed to matter any more. My life went on "hold." Even spiritual activities seemed inconsequential. I wondered if purpose and motivation would ever return. Weeks and months went by as I continued in my leadership task, knowing that I wasn't "all there."

As I recovered from grief, motivation returned slowly, but in a very different form. Position and responsibility mattered little. A purifying and cleansing had taken place in my soul. I viewed life—and death—differently. I spent much time wrestling with some critical biblical issues: God's sovereignty, God's goodness, prayer … all those puzzling "whys" of life.

—Jerry White in Dangers Men Face

My Response: Am I excited about life? Why or why not?

Adapted from Dangers Men Face (NavPress, 1997) by permission.

Copyright © 2007 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine. Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

Work in my life, Lord, causing me to be motivated by eternally significant goals.

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