I've been fed by the church, ministers, Christian counselors, and many others. But I’ve also been the one doing the feeding. In my twenties and thirties, I led more than ten small group Bible studies, coached other leaders, spoke at men’s conferences, and served as a church elder. Then I decided a short sabbatical might be good.
That sabbatical turned into years.
Sure, my family and I still went to church on Sundays—but only to be fed. I wasn’t pouring into others anymore. My “priorities” shifted to running a business, attending dance recitals, equestrian events, talent shows, and watching shows like 24. I had time… but excuses came easy when life felt full.
When that happens, your circumstances begin to dictate your thoughts and actions. You become reactive instead of proactive. Life feels aimless. I was in Death Valley, and the flame of my spirit had been reduced to a flicker. It was close to being snuffed out.
But God didn’t love me any less for focusing on myself—He simply wanted me back in the game. Inside, I was running on empty. And I felt it, because the follower's journey is not meant to be paused—no matter the season.
Jesus said, “But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.”
Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 5:16–19:
"Rejoice always. Pray continually. Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit’s fire."
This is why we must stay active, regardless of where God leads us.
Following Jesus doesn’t always make sense. In fact, it may seem crazy to the inactive believer or the nonbeliever—because it runs contrary to the world. It requires action, discipline, and passion. It comes with hardship, pain, and sometimes persecution.
There are days I want to give up. But God knows me, and He reminds me of Hebrews 10:36:
“You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.”
Or as Winston Churchill once said:
"Never, never, in nothing great or small, large or petty, never give in—except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy."
Christianity isn’t a social club. It’s not about checking a Sunday box and doing your own thing the rest of the week. It's not "God helps those who help themselves." It’s about daily acknowledging the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—and actively depending on God’s power to act.
I fall short daily. But I’ve learned that when I stay down, I lose momentum. And when momentum is lost, opportunities go with it. As my mom said, “An idle mind is the devil’s workshop.”
My first daily action? Saying, “Good morning, Holy Spirit” before my feet hit the ground. Then I make a conscious decision to walk in the Spirit.
Galatians 5:16 (NLT) says:
"So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves."
Most days I follow through by reading the Word and praying. But there are missed days too. On those days, guilt often visits. But I’ve learned to shrug it off—not because it doesn’t matter, but because God is not a condemner. That’s Satan’s job. Missed days are simply missed opportunities to grow closer to God. He desires that we know Him—and experience a life that’s full and blessed.
I now know: my pursuit in life isn’t happiness. It’s to seek God daily. And yes, happiness may come—but only as a byproduct of an active faith.
God uses people who are willing.
God uses those who trust Him outside their comfort zone.
God uses those who stay in the arena.
God uses those who fall—but get back up.
God uses those who choose to be active.
Teddy Roosevelt captured it beautifully:
“It is not the critic who counts... The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood… who errs… who strives valiantly… who at best knows the triumph of high achievement, and who at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly…”
My Prayer
Father God, in Jesus’ Name, let me respond to Your call.
Let me rise from the sidelines and use Your Spirit, Your Wisdom, and the gifts You’ve given me to serve the homeless, poor, hurting, lost, sick, hungry, addicted, fearful, and lonely.
Let me be an active believer all the days of my life.
Adios for now,
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