Pray While You're Prey Devotion For Singles, Part VIIChikamu

Plugged In, Not Charging

Quote from Pray While You’re Prey:

“With or without a mate, I can live a full life that is pleasing to God, and I will be rewarded.”

I turned on my laptop the other day and I noticed that, even though it had been plugged in all night, the battery was nearly dead. I restarted the computer and got a message that my charger was not compatible with the battery. However, I was still able to use the laptop because the AC adapter was working; it just wasn’t charging the battery. So, I googled what the computer said was the issue, “plugged in, not charging.”

This has been going on for a few days, but on this day, it hit me that this is exactly how I feel sometimes with my relationship with Christ. I feel like I am plugged in and not charging. In other words, I know that Christ and I are connected, but I feel stagnant in my life. I feel like I am not moving forward with Him. I feel drained.

Yes, I go to church. I worship sincerely. I read my Bible daily. I read devotions. I pray. I try to live a life that is pleasing to God. I am not trying to sound like the Pharisee that was praying in the New Testament. I am just wondering if there is anyone else that has felt plugged in, yet still empty. You feel like you are doing everything that you know to do. You are seeking God to find out what else you need to do. Why are you stuck in this place? Why can’t you move into the next phase of your life?

Well, as I continued to troubleshoot the laptop/battery/charger issue, I noticed a common theme with this problem. The issue generally happened when using a universal charger. That is what I have because it was less expensive than ordering a new part from the company where I bought my computer. And, as I read through several pages that said, “Don’t use a universal charger,” I had an epiphany. Maybe I feel like I am plugged in, but not charging because I am using a universal standard with which to measure my life rather that the standard of the original Source of my life.

So many times, we get caught up in what the world says our lives should be. And, although we pray and praise, we feel like something is being held back from us. We are plugged in with universal chargers and we are not charging. Instead, we must rely on God; live in His presence, with holy reverence. We must realize that there is no universal formula for each of our lives. Rather, God has a unique and individual plan for each and every one of us to live a good life; a full life. And, what is more, for those who believe in Him and accept His Son, Jesus Christ, as Lord and Savior, that life never ends. It will continue throughout eternity. We must trust in His plan for our lives, so that we do not find ourselves plugged in, but not charging.

Prayer

Thank You, God for providing me with every opportunity to have a full life on Earth and in Heaven. 

Please forgive me for thinking that You are holding anything back from me.

Lord, please help me to not just be plugged in to You, but recharged daily by Your Word, Your guidance and Your grace.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen