What quenches your fire for God? “Fire-killers” differ from one person to another, but everything boils down to one source: Satan. He is the ultimate fire-killer. And God won’t let him snatch what He started in you.
Here are some of the fire-killers that you need to protect yourself from.
1. Offense
99% of people in the church today leave because of offense. Many people leave the church because they were easily offended. What hurts you? Whatever it is, do a heart check. Ask the Lord to reveal the root of your offense. Is it pride? Bitterness? Unforgiveness? Or something else…
Offense is the Devil’s trap to cause your fire to die out. Don’t allow it to drive away your love for God and His people.
2. Disappointment
As Christians, we pray and fast for the things we need or want. But sometimes, we get disappointed because things don’t happen. It may not only be with God, but also with family and friends. Every time you get disappointed, return to His Word and remind yourself of His goodness and faithfulness.
3. Busyness
How do you spend your day? We become so busy that we don’t have time to spend with the Lord. Sometimes we equate busyness with being faithful workers for the Kingdom. Busyness could be a result of intimacy, but busyness itself is not proof of maturity in God. Intimacy with God is better than busyness, even when it comes to serving the church or His people. Remember the story of sisters Martha and Mary:
“But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, ‘Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!’ ‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’” (Luke 10:40-42)
If you are too busy to pray, you are too busy. What are the things that keep you too busy to sit at Jesus’ feet?
4. Materialism
It’s not when you have stuff; it’s when the stuff has you. Sometimes having too much overwhelms us and make us forget God. The key is to surrender everything to God. From the smallest penny on your pocket to your vast selections of materials you have. When God has the right to take anything from your hand, you have the privilege to take anything from HIS pocket. As co-heirs with Christ, God gave us the right to be His children which provides us with access to His kingdom.
Light the Fire again…
Life may be tough, but take heart, Jesus is with you! Be confident that whatever it is you are struggling with, He will always be by your side. You are not alone. Jesus is our good shepherd, and His Word is our shield from the lies of the enemy. Thus, it is vital to connect with God every single day.
Pray this to help restore your zeal:
“Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” (Psalm 51:12)
Watch Pastor Vladimir Savchuk speak this wonderful topic below.
This article is written by Chinine Badelles