Running on E
I had the incredible opportunity yesterday to speak with Jeff Henderson at an event we put on for the staff at Cross Point and Buckhead church.
Jeff said something that I’ve been thinking about a lot the past 24 hours. He said, “Nobody is responsible for your spiritual replenishment except for you.”
When I’m running on “E” in my spiritual life I love to blame others.
The church is overworking me.
My wife is asking too much of me.
My kids won’t give me any quiet time.
John Ortberg wrote on his blog the other day…
Often in ministry I feel like Jesus (that’s a dangerous comparison!) when he was touched by a woman in a crowd ‘and felt the power go out of him.’ Ministry can be the most draining activity known to human beings, because it draws on the soul. So i have to know what the signs are when my reserves are running low: I got easily discouraged, I get preoccupied in my relationships, my motivation and energy drop, sin looks more tempting.
In other words, you can’t run on “E” for long and still live the life God has for you.
So here’s a couple questions for you to contemplate today:
-Are you living a rhythm of life that restores God’s wonder in you?
-Are you claiming responsibility for your own spiritual replenishment?
-If you’re stuck on “E” what’s one thing you can do today to replenish your spiritual vitality?
40 Comments:
-Are you living a rhythm of life that restores God’s wonder in you?
Yes, but I had to leave church-as-institution to find that restorative rhythm.
-Are you claiming responsibility for your own spiritual replenishment?
Yes, but I had to leave church-as-institution to exercise the freedom to claim my spiritual replenishment as both the gift God wants me to have and a responsibility God wants me to take.
-If you’re stuck on “E” what’s one thing you can do today to?
I can unlock my gas tank to the sweet filling up of the Holy Spirit and put the car in drive OR I can assume that God might want me to remain in park for awhile and be content to just sit still. :^)
Why is it that we Americans can only seem find joy when we are FULL and MOVING FORWARD AT BREAKNECK SPEED?
[Reply]
ttm
8:34 am
You know for me I think the two things that replenish me most our time in authentic community and time in God’s Word. I need a little more of both right now.
[Reply]
Pete Wilson
8:52 am
The one thing that I have done today to replenish the joy of my salvation has been to simply love on and give authentic generosity to others without expecting anything in return. I Love how simple acts of serving others without them knowing it can really be the shot of replenishment that we need.
Trevor DeVage´s last blog ..THANKS @JEREMYPETERSON
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Trevor DeVage
9:14 am
I am that silly guy that finds himself running out of gas all the time. I want to plow through whatever it is that has my current focus so that I can move on to the next thing. It’s a perfect correlation to how I travel. When I get in the car, I just want to get to my destination… no bathroom stops or site seeing along the way. AND, we are only going to stop when we absolutely need to get gas. I, mean, that car better be sucking vapors by the time I pull off to fill up.
Not the smartest or even the most enjoyable way to travel (just ask my wife and kids).. but I am focused on the task at hand. The whole time I am driving my mind is computing how many more miles and how much time it will take to cover the distance between stops and the final destination.
No doubt I find myself throwing God in the backseat because heaven is the destination and we are going to get there the way that I want to travel. The whole time God is there saying:
“Uh, you just missed our turn.”
“I’d a probably taken a left back there to avoid all these potholes.”
“You sure we don’t have time for a picnic?”
“Where you headed now? That road isn’t on the way to heaven.”
Eventually, I run out of gas and then look in the rearview mirror sheepishly. “Uh, yeah, God, I did it again. I am lost, the suspension is blown, I am out of gas, and I have no money to get going again.”
His answer is always the same: “Let me take the wheel.”
Cause isn’t that the truth of the whole matter… we run out of gas when we are the ones driving the car?
Tony York´s last blog ..I’m so stupid… and so are you!
[Reply]
Tony York
9:14 am
No, no and I don’t know.
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Jason
9:21 am
Wow, so timely. God has been speaking to my heart on this very topic. No one else forces me to have a relationship with my spouse or kid, so why would I expect someone to make me send time with God?
I’m trying to interact with Him on a more consistent basis, but also a more organic one – where it becomes natural for me to talk with Him. I have MILES to go, since some days I barely even think about Him.
Amanda Sims´s last blog ..The Good Stuff
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Amanda Sims
9:22 am
this hit home in a BIG way – seriously have been running on empty and my body finally said enough. My husband “accused” me of making myself sick – that I wasn’t taking good enough care of myself and I was very defensive, with a peious “this is the Lord’s work.” Yet my first ministry is at home with my husband and kids – that’s what God entrusted me with. The rest has been a by-product of getting closer to Him and letting Him reveal how He sees me being used. Yet, when things get busy in other “ministry areas,” my family and my health are the first to suffer. We get caught up in control and busyness and let ourselves get jaded, resentful and we often fall, fail, stumble, lash out in anger and judge WAY more easily. This reminds me of Mad Church Disease, which I read and very much enjoyed. When I first read it, though, we were just getting into ministry. I made notes, thinking “Ok, I won’t let that happen to me.” Now, that we’re “in the trenches,” I see it with new eyes … eyes that need to stay focused on Jesus, filling myself up with His word, intimate prayer time with Him and, like you said, authentic community. I will be praying for that right now. Thanks.
[Reply]
Mela Kamin
9:23 am
I have been fighting a constant battle against running on empty since I started showing the symptoms of Post-viral fatigue syndrome in 2003.
I really, really, really want to believe that God has fully healed me from it.
I do have the tendency to blame church at times, as feel guilt and pressure to be Type A personality, full of energy, super reliable, serving and praying.
I’m still learning how to serve God and do all He asks, to differentiate between what God expects of me and what I/others in church expects of me. And to stop comparing myself to others.
As for replenishing, I’m sure it was a lot easier when I was part of a church community that all believed in the manifestation of the Holy Spirit. Words of encouragement, the prophetic and being refilled with the HS happened on a regular basis and inspired me to dig deeper into God’s word.
I don’t know the answer in how to spiritually replenish on my own, if that makes sense? Answers on a postcard please!
Brunettekoala´s last blog ..The Assassin of Character Creep (or Cassie & the shiny Jaguar)
[Reply]
Brunettekoala
9:27 am
As far as getting replenished I think quietness helps. I suppose the right word for that is solitude. This of course is what I am naturally drawn to. Since that is the case I can actually start to feel better when I am practicing my spiritual gift. When I can in some way bless others with my gift I feel more alive and less empty.
David Knapp´s last blog ..Going Broke Saving Money
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David Knapp
9:28 am
I have found that somedays “I am Full and somedays I am on E” — either way we have a motto in our house: CHOOSE JOY! I must choose it for myself — Larry cannot choose it for me nor I for him. Oh yes, it is “easy” TO CHOOSE JOY on the “full days” — but I have found that it makes the “empty days” feel so much “fuller” if I make the choice to CHOOSE JOY.
[Reply]
Susan
9:32 am
@Tony York, so true!!
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Pete Wilson
9:36 am
@Brunettekoala, expectations can drain the tank quick!
[Reply]
Pete Wilson
9:37 am
Pete,
My husband has said this to me in the past..”Holly just because its a good thing doesn’t make it a God thing” I had to realize that saying yes to everything often contributed to my spiritual life “being on E”. I would pour into everyone else and then when it all stopped I wondered why God wasn’t hearing me or why I felt so numb. One day of not reading the word would turn into a week and then I would be numb and on empty! I agree that ministry is one of the hardest places to be in! Over these past 7 or 8 years there were times I have begged Richard to jump out….What fills me up? Is SEEING people and being moved with compassion like Jesus was! I want to see lives changed because of what I have already experienced in my own life. Compassion= your pain in my heart:) Great reminder!!
Holly Myers´s last blog ..naked revelations and goose bumps…
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Holly Myers
9:48 am
-Are you living a rhythm of life that restores God’s wonder in you?
Yes, myrecovery process just proves it.
-Are you claiming responsibility for your own spiritual replenishment?
I need to
-If you’re stuck on “E” what’s one thing you can do today to replenish your spiritual vitality?
I’m not stuck on “E” but I’m close enough that I have some work to do.
Sarah´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday
[Reply]
Sarah
9:52 am
You know Pete, for almost two years I have been living as if “it” will happen soon. My life has been wrapped around “it” and although the “it” has changed a time or two over those two years, there has always been an “it” that I am expecting. Reading your post has made me realize how completely out of rhythm it has gotten me spiritually.
In some ways I guess I have missed the last two years, at least missed what could have been. That idea of not being content has consumed me at times and put me flat on empty more than once.
Harold´s last blog ..Isaias Gabriel – Making The Difference in the DR
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Harold
10:04 am
I’ve been replenished several times this week in an unusual way – by my 3 year old son.
We’ve been going places, hurrying from one errand to the next. He’s too big to be carried so he walks with me. But he’s three, so is SLOW. He also stops and looks at everything in the store.
I was watching him touch every single thing in one aisle, impatiently waiting for him to finish looking so we could move on, when I felt a nudge and heard a whisper.
“Rachel, that is how you need to be. Slow down, take a breath, appreciate life. Appreciate Miguel. Appreciate the things around you. Appreciate Me.”
So I took a deep breath, and while Miguel was touching every.single.item. in the aisle, I waited, and basked in God’s presence. It was so refreshing, and totally changed my outlook on the day.
It happened again on the way to the bus stop to meet my other sons after school. “Slow down, Rachel. Appreciate what is in front of you. The breeze. The acorns littering the sidewalk. A 3 year old who is excited to see his brothers. Me.”
Rachel´s last blog ..My brother-in-law (a veteran’s day post)
[Reply]
Rachel
10:22 am
I often find when i am trying to run by myself and do it all my miles per gallon goes down to about 2. I thought I was working with a full tank and then I realize that I am now running on empty.
One thing that I need to do and try to do is run with God and in his direction. It seems right now that I am not running anywhere, that I am training for the run that is about to start. Patience is my number one thing that I struggle with and often get caught up in just doing something to do something.
I have to constantly come back to being filled up by God and then realize that I am moving at his pace and where he is leading me. Right now I He is calling me to be patient, to train and be disciplined in what I do.
Kyle Reed´s last blog ..Losing Your Imagination
[Reply]
Kyle Reed
10:34 am
@Kyle Reed, “I have to constantly come back to being filled up by God and then realize that I am moving at his pace and where he is leading me.”
So true Kyle!
[Reply]
Pete Wilson
11:00 am
ummm, Tony, you may have a long lost brother.
[Reply]
cshell
11:15 am
I am not on “E,” but I offer my prayers for everyone who might be teetering close to the red line. (Pastor’s, Small Group Leader’s, Author’s, All of us, Disciples) My prayer is that you take care of yourself, “your character, and God will supply the fruit” and, “Multiply your Peace & Grace.” [Francis Chan- II Peter:1] I have been burdened to pray for our church “leadership” since reading Anne Jackson’s “Mad Church Disease.” …..
love and hugs all around.
reese
Reese´s last blog ..Choose Refuge
[Reply]
Reese
11:29 am
@Holly M – you have a wise husband. that is SO true!
@Rachel – our Senior Pastor is forever telling us that ‘god speed’ is actually the pace of walking, about 3 miles per hour. I love how we can learn from kids just as much as the other way round…
Brunettekoala´s last blog ..The Assassin of Character Creep (or Cassie & the shiny Jaguar)
[Reply]
Brunettekoala
11:44 am
I’ve learned that you absolutely cannot run on “E” long. You can for a little while, but its solely on our own fumes and they run out eventually.
This is truly a struggle for me right now. Not that I am not taking responsibility for my own spiritual replenishment, but that I need to find that healthy rhythm.
Nick´s last blog ..No Risk…No Reward
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Nick
11:59 am
As I read through some of the comments, I am left asking this question:
Is it really a balance or rhythm?
Many of the world’s religions teach that very philosophy. I wonder if it isn’t more about surrender.
Tony York´s last blog ..I’m so stupid… and so are you!
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Tony York
12:09 pm
I try to look at it like this…. You’ll NEVER run out of gas in park!!! We do have to constantly refuel when we’re going somewhere… but thank God we’re going somewhere. I want to be used and then filled and used again. That should be what church is for. We should be able to go in there after a long week in the world and be uplifted to go back out there again and make an impact! Great post!!!
[Reply]
Christie Ulrich
12:17 pm
In the words of a U2 song:, “Some days are better than others.”
I do much; Involved in 2 Bible studies, attend most community outreach events, truly listen to my pastor’s preaching on Sunday morning.. help out where needed, attend prayer group, read my BIble, pray…. I should be the most “Full” person ever.
I look like it.
I’m not exactly sure where I’m at. I know the answers. I sound good, look like a good Christian, but I am still filled with questions. I’m easily hurt, have a difficult time forgiving others and I am easily discouraged and don’t have much patience with my kids.
I want more. I read of God’s transforming power and I know He is in me,……there just has to be more…. and I think by doing these things surely I will be become better. I know it’s not in DOING things; it’s in God but…. well, yeah. It’s a both thing. I’m just a bit upset right now at where things are. I just want more.
Torybee´s last blog ..Fleeting Wonder
[Reply]
Torybee
1:20 pm
You know, for me to really refill my tank, I have to have alone time. Unfortunately that’s the hardest thing for me to find.
Very good post Pete. Timely.
Aaron B. Reddin´s last blog ..Gobble Gobble
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Aaron B. Reddin
1:39 pm
I need to take things out of the schedule and I need to have time alone with God. But I’m also realizing that I really need to be in community with other believers as well. We are not settled into a new church home here and I am feeling adrift some days. I miss my bible study group from our previous home, every Monday morning. It just helped me get in focus for whatever the rest of the week would bring and if I were feeling close to E when we met I always left feeling F.
joyce´s last blog ..Let Freedom Ring
[Reply]
joyce
2:21 pm
@Christie Ulrich, I love that analogy. “You’ll never run out of gas in park.”
[Reply]
Pete Wilson
2:35 pm
If the engine is running and the car is parked.. not only will you run out of gas but you will have accomplished little more than adding to the current pollution problem.
I think many churches are experiencing this already…
Tony York´s last blog ..I’m so stupid… and so are you!
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Tony York
2:41 pm
Thanks for this, Pete!
[Reply]
Kim Harr
3:17 pm
I’m sure “your wife is asking for too much” was just an example, right?
I hear she’s quite low maintenance!
Good work, babe. Thanks for the challenge.
brandiandboys´s last blog ..I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool…
[Reply]
brandiandboys
3:51 pm
thank you thank you thank you! i am the WORST at saying yes to every single thing because i love to volunteer and what happens is that my family, my friends and my fiance get the remnants of my day, my time, and my heart. not to mention my personal time with the Lord. i need to run on F more often.
grace´s last blog ..a cab to drive him home.
[Reply]
grace
4:12 pm
@brandiandboys, Clearly that has never happened. Just a made up scenario.
[Reply]
Pete Wilson
6:19 pm
@tony york, Oh dang. You said it, not me!
[Reply]
Pete Wilson
6:20 pm
Freneticism
Sucking the life out of life
Deceleration
“Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God, above politics, above everything.”
Psalm 46:10 (MSG)
[Reply]
ChristianHaiku
7:03 pm
@ChristianHaiku,
I love that translation of Ps 46:10
[Reply]
Pete Wilson
6:13 am
Hey just wanted to share a book with you that I have been reading to get off of E. It is titled REFUEL by Doug Fields. Great little book and gives you 3 or 4 ways to refuel.
[Reply]
C. Eslick
11:39 am
I needed to hear this soooo bad.
Thanks.
[Reply]
Andy
9:30 pm
I saw way too much of my last couple years in this post. Ironic that that’s the time we’ve been planting a church in rural Kansas. I am going to let God change me – my first priority will be to spend time reading my bible, then praying.
I linked to this on my blog, maybe I’m not the only one who needs to read it.
Thanks, Pete. And for another example that *never* has happened: a wife being too demanding BECAUSE she’s running on empty!
Abbie´s last blog ..A wake-up call.
[Reply]
Abbie
6:49 am
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;
my hope comes from him. (Psalm 62:5)
Abbie´s last blog ..A wake-up call.
[Reply]
Abbie
5:31 am
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