“The fire in your belly is running low on kindling. But where is the firewood? It’s not for lack of searching. The Lord knows you’ve tried. At least you hope he knows. . . . Yet why this cold wind in the face? Why this uphill struggle? . . . Something’s missing, and for the life of you the life of you looks as if it is fading.”- Max Lucado
“It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all.”- John 6:63 (ESV)
In Chapter 1 (“The Holy Who?”) of Help is Here: Finding Fresh Strength and Purpose in the Power of the Holy Spirit, Max Lucado states that he suffered spiritual burnout at age fifteen. As a result, something faded from Max’s life drip by drip, little by little, day by day.
However, Pastor Lucado underscores, the Lord knows your situation and cares. Because the Lord never wills that you lead a lifeless life. Therefore, we need to know the Holy Spirit. Yet, Max notes, we comprehend the image of God as Father, manage the idea of God as Jesus, the Son. But Max views the concept of God as Spirit mystical- more difficult to grasp.
In Max’s early twenties, a dear friend helped Max believe that God’s grace far exceeded his rebellion. After seminary and ministry at churches in Miami, Rio de Janeiro, and San Antonio, the wheels came off again. During that time period, Max describes his prayers as moans and his faith like a frazzled thread. Hence, Max prayed honest prayers to God. And little by little, he began to sense the Holy Spirit, leading with a kind touch and wooing with a whisper.
In conclusion, Pastor Lucado adds:
“I requested strength. [The Holy Spirit] gave it. I prayed for vitality and joy. Both returned. The long winter thawed into a welcome spring. One day while I was studying for a message, I read the words Jesus used to describe the Holy Spirit: comforter and friend. I recall having this wonderful realization: ‘I know this Person.’ ”
Today’s question: What Bible verses help most when you’re running low on kindling? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “The Holy Spirit comes with power”
