Too many times as Christians, and as women, we live in spiritual neutral. I grew up around motor boats. We had terms for speed. There was neutral. We sat in the boat, intentionally not moving and let the waves and wind move our boat as it would. There was "putting." We would simply putt along close to the shore admiring the cliffs and wildlife. Finally, there was "full throttle." We flew up the lake, hair blowing, crashing through waves and headed towards the horizon. Reflecting on the lack of power in ministry and particularly in worship ministry, I wonder as the disciples wondered...."why are we unable to cast out demons?" The Disciples were asking Jesus why they were unable to have power in their ministry. The answer, at least partly, appeared to be in the lack of relationship. Although they were living with Jesus, ministering alongside Him and being taught; their minds were on other things. So it seems to be with us and the Holy Spirit power in our own ministries. If we find ourselves in neutral, we must engage the throttle by digging deeper into our spiritual relationship with Him. More solitude, more prayer, more fasting. A deep and longing desire to live at Jesus feet and to suffer alongside Him in order to break out and engage the throttle of Holy Spirit power. If we are putting along....what is it we are admiring? Is it of this earth or is it of heaven? As we putt along we are focused on our contentment and the lazy rock of the boat as it crawls along. It is safe here. We are far enough from the bank to dodge any potential snares, close enough to admire nature's beauty and slow enough to doze off, if we so desire. It is a content and relaxing journey, as long as no storms threaten. Here rides the mediocre disciple. Enjoying the ride, and then wondering why there is no power in their ministry. Full throttle, Holy Spirit power can be frightening. Full throttle messes up your hair. Full throttle bruises and bumps as the boat crashes against the waves. Full throttle seems dangerous, and fast, and out of control. This is where God's power resides. In the full throttle relationship cultivated by solitude, prayer and fasting. There can be nothing between you and your relationship with Jesus. No sin. No desire to motivate others. No desire to control others. No desire for comfort. No desire to admire. No desire to drift. The question becomes then, is.there anything between you and Jesus even now?
We must be willing to do the thing we least desire to do or be...live in humiliation. Paul shared,
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13) and what he was referring to were mostly humiliating things. Oswald Chambers.
Am I willing to live full throttle in personal relationship with Him? Or does the thought of solitude, fasting and a life of prayer throw me into a panic? (Borrowed O.C.)
Beloved, if your prayers are unanswered, if your ministry feels like it is in neutral, or if you are just putting along in contentment; engage your throttle through daily discipline of prayer, fasting and humiliation in personal relationship.
Be blessed bright ones.
Pastor Cat
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