Day 1: Romans 12:11-12
How close do you feel to God? Most of us sense that there’s more to a
relationship with God than what we currently are experiencing. The vast majority
of believers start out with a lot of passion and zeal in their relationship with God,
in many cases, over time that enthusiasm subsides. On a day-to-day basis, their
relationship with God eventually becomes passive. There are occasional bursts
of excitement, but even that excitement is short-lived. Their walk with God seems
to have a few highs, some lows…and a whole lot of mundane in-betweens.
There is something terribly wrong with a passionless, passive, mundane,
monotonous relationship with God? Aren’t we vaguely unsettled with the idea
that somehow a daily relationship with God… the God of the universe…can end
up with the flavor of stale bread? The Bible is clear that our passion and spiritual
fervor should be constant. (Romans 12:11) So why have so many Christians
accepted a faith experience that is so far below what God intended for them?
A passionate, thriving relationship with God should be the norm, not the
exception for every follower of Christ. Over the next 21 days your relationship
with God can be awakened. Maintaining a fresh, exciting, passionate
relationship with God is something we must literally fight to protect. Make no
mistake about it—we have a very real enemy who wants nothing more than for
our souls to be lulled to sleep, all while we think everything is okay.
For the next 21 days, Element Church, lets join together in the experience
of fasting, prayer, and listening to the voice of God through His Word.
Maybe at one time you were excited about God and were full of His life. But now,
if you’re honest, you know other things have grabbed your attention, and your
heart has hardened to the joy and freshness you once felt. Or maybe you are far
from God and struggling with addictive behaviors or other issues. (And, by the
way, is there really anyone who doesn’t have issues?) The good news is that the
potential for a lasting, thriving relationship with God really is there. It just
has to be awakened.
Take a moment to reflect and journal: What is your biggest obstacle to
experiencing the zeal and passion described in Romans 12:11-12? Ask God to
ignite or reignite a passion in your relationship with Jesus.