I Choose Today to Refuel

Anyone who has ever driven a car knows the tension of watching the fuel gauge dip lower and wondering, Do I have enough to make it? Maybe you’ve even miscalculated, convinced you could push just a little farther—only to end up stranded, waiting for help. Looking back, the reason for not stopping to refuel often boils down to I didn’t have time. But that logic quickly falls apart when we realize that running out of fuel actually cost us more time, energy, and stress than simply stopping would have.

The same is true in our spiritual lives. If we don’t take time to refuel, we risk running on empty—pushing ourselves until we are drained, anxious, or worse, unable to move forward in what God has for us.

Even though I study God’s Word, listen to sermons, podcasts, and teachings to equip me for writing and speaking, I can’t rely on those things alone. If I don’t take intentional time to personally refuel with God—to be filled with His Spirit, wisdom, and power—I’ll find myself depleted, running on fumes, and unable to fully step into what He’s calling me to.

Even Jesus, while fully God, operated in complete dependence on the Father during His time on Earth. Before beginning His ministry, He spent 40 days in the wilderness (Luke 4:1-2), fasting and seeking God. Throughout His ministry, He would regularly withdraw to be alone with the Father (Mark 1:35, Luke 5:16). And before He went to the cross, He poured out His heart in prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. (Matthew 26:36-39), knowing He needed the Father’s strength to carry out His ultimate mission. If Jesus needed to refuel through time with God, how much more do we?

The truth is, if we don’t nourish our souls by staying connected to God, we may never fully realize the dreams and purposes He has for us (Psalm 37:4). When we neglect time with Him, we risk moving in our own strength rather than in His power. But when we abide in Him, we are sustained, strengthened, and equipped for every good work (John 15:5, Proverbs 3:18).

Are you running on empty? Maybe your spiritual gas light has been on for a while, warning you that it’s time to stop and refuel. Don’t wait until you stall out—pull into God’s presence today and let Him fill you with fresh strength.

Take a moment today to assess where your spiritual tank is. Are you relying on past moments with God to sustain you, or are you daily coming to Him for fresh filling? Set aside time—whether five minutes or an hour—to be still in His presence, pray, and receive His renewal. Don’t wait until you’re running on empty—fill up today.