Recently on my way to work, I suddenly realized that my fuel tank was on reserve. It must have been for some time because I was on the last bar of reserve. This meant the car was making preparations to stall. I obviously needed a miracle. I was not quite sure if I deserved one, for such a negligent act. I had been too engrossed with running errands that I had neglected to see the need for refueling.
My problem was compounded by the fact that it was raining, and besides, there was no gas station in sight. My present predicament then emphasized the ambivalence and nonchalance of many, especially as it pertains to Spiritual matters.
Many start off their day on reserve. We become so busy “working for God” that we neglect to have a relationship with Him. Many are spiritual anorexics who deny their Spirits the necessary nutrients needed for sustenance. This explains why there are so many run down Christians on the highway of life.
Running on reserve can only take one so far, eventually; we are bound to totally run out of fuel. That is when many desperately pray for miracles and blame God when He chooses to take His time.
In order to avoid spiritual breakdowns, we must keep our spiritual tanks full at all times. As we set out each day, we must remember to keep ourselves fully equipped with the word and with prayer. We must examine our spiritual vehicles to make sure that we are fit to embark on the day’s journey. It is important to note the state of the tires, to watch the fuel gauge, and to note the overall state of our vehicles. Failure to do this will stall us on the highway, and lump us with other ill-maintained, broken down, and overworked Christians.
The fruitful and productive Christian is one whose Spiritual tank is constantly filled with worship, prayer and meditation. Prayer certainly takes an effort; merely thinking about it will not do, just like thinking about the fuel, will not keep the car running unless one actually fills the tank with gas.
It is dangerous for the Christian to wait for his Spiritual tank to be empty, or his stash of anointing depleted, before plugging in to God. When we find ourselves too busy working for God, we must take time as Jesus did to spend some time with the Father.
As we check our Spiritual tanks, may God grant us the power to see, and the ability to live, not on reserve; but always with a full tank of His love, presence, power and anointing.
Mark 1:35” Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed”.
I am inspired by you! I feel a spirtual bond with you. I agree that we tend to let our spiritual tanks to run close to empty. You have it right when you say we need to fill ourselves up with The Lords Word every day so we don't ever run dry. I for one am involved with prison ministry and it's easy to give so much that you forget to re-fuel.
I would like to dialouge more about this subject if you are interested.
Yours in Christ,
John Michael
God Bless
Michelle~