Luke 22:32, “But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.”

Contrary to popular opinion ministry is hard. At times it is thankless. People will either be drawn to you or they will avoid you. People want to be in your presence to sponge off your anointing or they are jealous of your anointing. Because of the later there are always plots and schemes in the works against those in ministry.

I call this a catch 22. An impossible situation where you are prevented from doing one thing until you have done another thing that you cannot do until you have done the first thing.

Ministry can be frustrating but the reward far outweighs any frustrations we may face. There is nothing like the feeling of walking (operating) in your calling, knowing that you are helping people. We strive to accomplish the vision but many times the journey to the goal line is a hard fought battle. We suffer loss, temptation, backlash, failures and yes, victories too. The same people who love you today will hate you tomorrow.

Yes, ministry can take a toll. However, to the minister this is a fact of life. And it does not matter. For there is nothing that would cause us to walk away from what God has given us to do.

We may not all have the same type of ministry, or do the same type of work. But the call, the unction from the Holy Spirit is just as strong for us all.

Yes, ministry can take its toll causing the minister to feel drained at times. This is when we need a recharge.

By definition recharge is to restore an electric charge to (a battery or a battery-operated device) by connecting it to a device that draws power from another source of electricity. To be refilled. To return to a normal state of mind or strength after a period of physical or mental exertion.

Vacations are greatly needed, but they can only address part of the physical need. A spiritual recharge helps the body and the spirit. We take the time to plug back into our source. This fuels us spiritually, calms our mind, refocuses our energy towards our purpose. A recharge allows us to get direction and instruction directly from God.

God knows this dusty frame. He knows first hand the tragedy and benefit of ministry. He knows we may get discouraged and face strong opposition, and experience many ups and downs. He knows us so well that he prays for us, so our faith stays strong. Then encourages us that when you get your strength back – go back and help your brother. This is ministry!

So during this month of prayer and fasting, let us not forget to recharge. Shut off every thing and everyone around you and focus on God.

My recharge is simple – I play gospel music that moves me to worship. Then I just enjoy time basking in Gods presence in worship. While I am in his presence I am strengthened, refueled, encouraged, and find a renewed sense of purpose. I get direction and instruction. My peace is increased.

What is your recharge? How do you reconnect to God – your power source? How are you refilled? How do you return to a normal strength and state of mind after spiritual and mental exertion?

Whatever you do to get back to that place where you are effective in ministry – it must start and end with drawing closer to God. Remember people are waiting for you and depending on you to be in your place. We face an enemy who does not take a day off. An enemy who is always on his job. But take heart, God does give us time to take care of ourselves. And he trusts us to get back in line and back to work.

Remember to take time for yourself. You cannot be effective if you are running on empty. Get plugged back in to your source.

Pray this prayer of recharge with me…

Father God, I come before your presence to settle myself and be still before you. I let go of all the baggage and burdens from the battles I have fought through you. I lay all my cares and concerns at your feet. I give them to you. I accept the peace that you give. I walk in your light and the liberty and freedom you have given me. I ask for your direction. I thank you for speaking to my heart and mind. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Have a blessed night.