Stay on fire for God; no matter what you face

Life can be a rollercoaster of joys and trials. There was a time when nothing was working out in my life. It felt like the world was closing in on me, and I started questioning my purpose. During these difficult moments, it was easy to feel like my faith was flickering, like a candle in a storm. But it was during this time that I learned the importance of keeping my spiritual fire burning. Sometimes your spiritual fervor may dwindle, but it is possible to stay on fire for God, no matter what you face.

The fire within

The “fire” for God is your passion, your burning desire to be close to Him. It is the source of your strength, joy, and purpose. However, life can bring about challenges and distractions that may threaten to extinguish your spiritual fire. These may include trials, doubts, or competing priorities. 

Just like a campfire that needs constant tending, your relationship with God requires attention to keep the flames burning bright. The Bible talks about how you should never be lacking in zeal but should keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord (Romans 12:11). 

The fire within you, the passion for God, can easily be dimmed by the challenges you face daily. But this fire is crucial; it is what drives you to pray, worship, and live out your faith. It’s this fire that gives you the strength to overcome the obstacles that come your way.

Nurturing your relationship with God

How do you keep the fire burning? By nurturing your relationship with God. You must prioritize practices that nurture your faith, such as regular prayer, engaging in worship, fellowship with other believers, and reading the Bible. Consistency in these practices helps keep the fire burning brightly.

Spending time in God’s Word, like in the Book of Psalms, where David constantly pours out his heart to God (Psalm 63:1), nourishes your soul and strengthens your resolve. When you invest in your relationship with God, you equip yourself with the spiritual tools needed to face life’s challenges with unwavering faith.

Worship and praise are powerful tools you can use to keep your spiritual fire burning. When you worship, you connect with God on a deeper level, and your passion is rekindled. 

Remaining faithful in adversity

Adversity is a part of life, but it’s during these times that your faith is tested and refined. Take inspiration from Job who endured trials while maintaining his fervor for God.

Despite losing everything, Job remained faithful (Job 1:21), saying, “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” 

He found strength and resilience in God’s presence. Remaining faithful in adversity means trusting God even when the path ahead is unclear, and the road is tough. It means holding on to the promises of God and believing that He is with you, even amidst your trials.

Prayer

Lord, I come to You with a heart that desires to stay on fire for You, no matter what I face. Help me to nurture my relationship with You, to seek You daily, and to remain faithful even when life gets tough. Strengthen my faith, Lord, and keep the fire within me burning bright, so that I may be a light to those around me. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Verse to reflect upon

Romans 12:11: “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord” 

Weekly challenge

Reach out to someone who may be facing challenges in their spiritual journey. Offer them encouragement, support, and a listening ear. Share your own experiences of staying on fire for God through adversity, and remind them that, with God’s grace, they can do the same.

Application questions

1. What challenges are currently threatening to dim your spiritual fire, and how can you combat them?
2. Reflect on your own trials. How can you seek God’s presence and find strength in Him during challenging times?
3. Who in your life could benefit from seeing the fire of God burning brightly in you, and how can you be an encouragement to them?
4. Consider your own spiritual practices. How can you prioritize these and remain connected to God?

Keep your spiritual fire burning

Staying on fire for God is not always easy, especially when life throws its hardest challenges at you. But it’s possible to remain faithful to God during adversity. Remember, it’s the fire within you that lights the path for yourself and others, guiding you through the darkest moments.