In the previous section we heard that like Paul, we must go all out to share the Gospel. Like an athlete goes all out to win a race, we must use all our energy to make a difference wherever we go.

The question is: How do we do this? Even Paul couldn’t do it all by himself. He didn’t have enough power. So he admits that he does it: ²⁹… with the energy God so generously gives me.

We cannot take on the world on our own. We’re far too weak. If we try and do it on our own, the world will put us down and sweep us aside. We will soon lose power and throw in the towel. It is important that we realise this before we burn our fingers and damage the Kingdom.

We need an external power source to give us the strength to go out into the world to spread the Gospel. Jesus is that power source. Like some of these new cell phones -you don’t have to plug them in anymore; no, you put the phone on the recharger and it recharges via its cover. These technological improvements are remarkable.

In the same way, we have to be in the presence of Jesus to be charged to go out into the world. And I realise that the wrong choices that I make throughout the day originate here – with me not being with my Recharger long enough that I can get enough power to get through the day. If I don’t spend enough time with God, I don’t get enough strength for the day, with the result that wrong choices become so much easier.

Maybe this is not new to you. We, who are children of God, know that Jesus is our source of power and that we have to spend enough time to be recharged by Him. But still we don’t do it. Our busy lives probably get blamed for this.

But then we have to go back to the drawing board. We have to change the entries in our diary. First make an appointment with Jesus and plan the rest of the day around that. Write: Recharge time – or something like that – so that you will know this is the time when you will receive power to tackle the rest of the day. If you don’t make time for this, your batteries will soon be flat and chances are you’ll soon run aground.

It is said that Martin Luther’s secretary one day said to him that he would have to shorten the time he spend on his devotions, because otherwise he’ll never get through all his appointments. Martin Luther answered: “No, I must rather spend more time on devotions to be able to get through all the appointments!” He knew what recharging is all about.

He is often quoted to have said: “I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.”

I trust that this will be true for each of us. May we know exactly where our power comes from and may we put aside time for this every day.

Scripture

Colossians1:28-29

Reflection

How much time do you spend with Jesus?

What can you do to spend more time in prayer?

Make that appointment now.

Prayer

Lord, I know my power comes from You. I know that I can only learn how to live life through an intimate relationship with You. I again commit myself to spending more time with You. Amen.