Worn out?
Have you ever felt a little weary and stale in your life? Have you looked up and realized that what was once a burning fire seems to be dying out?
We have all known the joy of working hard at something, pouring heart and soul, as well as a good measure of blood, sweat, and tears into something we’re passionate about. Right? At times it might be a relationship, a role in life, a job, a project, or a ministry that has captured our imagination and fired our determination. The particulars can vary, but the joy of inspiration can be a tangible thing that enables us to stick with it for the long haul.
But sometimes we get tired.
Sometimes passion fizzles and we wonder if all the energy is worth it.
Have you been there? I have.
Today I am invigorated by these words:
I don’t know about you, but I can get caught up in my emotions and loose sight of the bigger picture. I can get pulled under the exhaustion of effort that never quite seems to produce. My heart lets loose its grip and motivation slips through my fingers.
Recharge your gift.
In this quick shot of encouragement, Paul reminds Timothy to do something we all need to do from time to time: recharge that special gift that God has placed in us. Each child of God receives sweet gifts of grace imprinted on our unique personality and calling.
[tweetthis]Whether large or small, spiritual gifts must be used in order to fulfill their purpose.[/tweetthis]
We all need to take time to recharge and rekindle our gifts. God has so much more for us than coasting, barely draggin over the finish line.
In this simple verse, God gives us a key to vitality.
The word kindle relates to igniting and feeding a fire. It is the kindling that brings the blaze and keeps it burning. Kindling produces energy and action as it brings forth fire. Kindling can also provoke and rouse to action. Kindling causes a reaction and produces an effect.
Where does inspiration come from?
God is the unending and original source of all fresh creativity. Creativity is His specialty!
How often I have tried to skip the step of kindling, overeager and impatient to bring on the blaze. It is ridiculously easy to neglect the small, necessary twigs of healthy habits and effort.
When we kindle our spirits with God’s Word, the Holy Spirit ignites fresh life into the gifts He has placed within us.
Kindle afresh.
Like cold mountain water, rushing over rocks on a hot, humid day, the word afresh is something I could use a lot more of. How about you?
Afresh, refresh, anew…freshness is found in the Holy Spirit and is the result of drinking of the “rivers of living water” that sprain up from our innermost being (John 7:38). Freshness helps dissipate weariness, providing energy move forward as well as stirring up creativity to receive the groundwork for new plans.
[tweetthis]10 Ways to to kindle afresh and recharge your gifts[/tweetthis]
- Feed your fire with daily doses of God’s word.
- Explore, practice, express–play with ideas whether or not there is exact opportunity at the moment.
- Change it up. Incorporate variety into your day. Do something different.
- Let God lead. When we take the responsibility of making things happen on ourselves, it’s easy to get off track. Uncover joy in the process.
- Enjoy the little steps that take you where you are going.
- Be observant–watch for inspiration in new things you learn, books you read, pictures you take, or experiences you enjoy.
- Anticipate God. Expect to see Him work in and through you. It is not all on you, so you can relax a little.
- Rest. Exhaustion suffocates passion and stifles drive.
- Remember we are called and gifted by grace, ultimately it is God’s work through us that will last.
- Trust God to finish what He has started
Open the window of your soul and let the fresh breeze of God’s Spirit, His word, and His blessing blow through and ignite your heart to burn brightly as we continue to shine in the light of His glory.
What do you do to kindle your fire?
So glad you're here. I help busy women—gals like you— build healthy habits for living well with biblical wisdom and practical steps to deepen your faith, increase your hope, and thrive in your purpose.
God’s been convicting me of this, lately, Ginger. Not only about my own lack of fire, but also about the complacency in our churches. I wrote about that in my blog today. Great minds think alike. 🙂
Complacency is a also part of this topic for sure. I will look forward to reading your post. Sometimes we have to press through the dry seasons knowing that it so much more about what God is doing. I keep tripping up on what I think I have to do… Praying for the spark of loving encouragement that will refuel your fire for you have so much to offer:)
God’s timing for me to read this is perfect. Don (my husband) and I are enjoying the first relaxing and non-scheduled weekend in a long time. I didn’t realize until today how much my batteries had run down! I have time to read the inspirational words you and others from our group have written, and I am getting much needed nourishment.
Thank you Ginger! And Sherry, I’m coming your way next :-).
Hope your recharging time is just what you need!