“And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” (Matthew 21:22 ESV)
We require power to do anything. Sometimes, the power comes from within, but often we need external power.
In many cases, this external power is supplied by electricity, and we are connected to that source.
However, when a direct connection is not possible, a marvellous invention called a “battery” provides the source of power.
Batteries are now so widely used that they can be found in many places, varying from large ones in places like electric cars to tiny ones in hearing devices and cell phones.
But as the electric power is consumed, the batteries decline in their power and will eventually require recharging.
Even though the manufacturers of some batteries advertise that their products last longer, I have never heard any of them claim that their batteries last forever.
I did, however, recently have an unusual contrary experience.
In December, 2018, I had a battery-powered device inserted to regulate the performance of my defective heart. The technician said that it would keep operating for ten years before the battery would need to be replaced.
Every six months, they check the device. Amazingly, the technician is able to read any occurrence when my heart has malfunctioned, giving the exact time and duration.
The testing machine also measures the length of time that the battery will continue to operate.
When the machine was tested in June, 2020, the battery indicated that it would continue operating for twelve years and two months. It appeared that my body is doing the impossible and recharging the battery.
I jokingly asked if I would receive a refund if the battery were still operating after I died. The technician replied in the negative, but she assured me that I wouldn’t be charged extra.
I don’t know why the tests showed the length of battery life, but I was pleased that the necessity of replacing the battery was pushed far into the future.
It also made me think that, from a spiritual viewpoint, our source of power doesn’t diminish like a normal battery but rather continues to strengthen with use.
The more we share the love of Jesus with others, the stronger we get, even as our physical strength declines.
We dismiss the readings of the battery in the device attached to my heart as being improbable. However, it is definitely true that our spiritual batteries continue to strengthen daily as we exercise our God-given power.
“Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.” (2 Corinthians 4:16b ESV)
To me, it is exciting to realize that by using our available tools of Bible reading and prayer, and by asking in faith, we can recharge our spiritual batteries daily.
Prayer: Dear Father, thank You for the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Jesus in loving and serving others. Help us to continue to recharge our batteries through faith. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Vincent Walter <vwalter@bell.net>
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Reprinted from the PresbyCan Daily Devotional with the author’s permission
