Keeping faith fuelled

‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled’
(Matthew 5:6, NIV)

‘Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord’
(Romans 12:11, NIV)

‘I know your deeds, that you are neither hot nor cold… I am about to spit you out of my mouth’
(Revelation 3:15-17, NIV)

In my church community we have been considering what it means to keep our faith fuelled in every season of life. We reflected on Jesus’ words about hunger, Paul’s call to zeal, and His challenge to the lukewarm church, and how each one speaks into the ebb and flow of our own hearts. I can remember growing up and hearing Revelation 3 being preached and feeling almost fearful that my passion for God wouldn’t be good enough or devout enough. I wonder if you have ever felt the same.

But as I grow older, I see zeal differently. I’m learning that zeal is rarely the fiery intensity I once imagined. More often, it looks like quiet obedience, lived faithfully day by day. If we’re not careful,
‘zeal’ can even become tangled up with striving, with trying to manufacture passion out of sheer effort. Yes, following Jesus requires discipline and attentiveness, but the heavy lifting has already been done by Him. Our role is simply to stay close to Him.

Hunger isn’t a flaw

This gives new meaning to seasons of dryness or hunger. Instead of seeing them as signs we’re failing, we can see them as invitations, moments that reveal our deep need for God and remind us how easily the trials of life can dim our passion. This kind of honesty, I believe, is deeply precious to God. Hunger isn’t a flaw; it’s a sign of spiritual life, and one He welcomes.

Against this backdrop I see Revelation 3 as God’s loving reproach to not fall into complacency and be numbed by the silver and gold this world has to offer. The church community here didn’t seem to think they had a problem! It appears the church in Laodicea had become apathetic and self-reliant. Laodicea had no fresh water of its own but nearby Hierapolis had hot, mineral-rich springs that were known to be healing and restorative, whilst nearby Colossae had cold, refreshing mountain water. Laodicea’s water arrived by aqueduct and in contrast was tepid, dirty, and unpleasant. This water was not refreshing, and it certainly did not have the healing properties of Hierapolis’ hot springs.

Revelation 3, therefore, becomes an invitation from the Lord to come to Him, to obtain something pure, thirst quenching, healing, and transforming. He is calling us back to His heart and His vision for life, a life where zeal comes not from striving but from staying close to Him.

Bring your whole self

Our role is not to generate passion, but to bring our whole selves, hungry, tired, grateful, confused, hopeful, back to Him. When we do, He supplies what we lack and rekindles what has faded.
The invitation is simple and beautiful Come to Me. Let Me fill you again.

Response

Prayer this simple prayer:

Jesus, awaken my heart again.
Where I am hungry, fill me.
Where I am weary, strengthen me.
Where I am lukewarm, stir me.
Draw me into deeper dependence,
and teach me the quiet, steady zeal of everyday obedience.
Make my life a place of refreshment and healing,
overflowing with Your presence.
Amen.

Keeping faith fuelled

Hunger isn’t a flaw

Bring your whole self

Response

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