It was 2:30 a.m.—that sacred hush before dawn when shadows linger and silence invites reflection. As I set out for my usual early morning walk, something felt off. My headlamp, normally a steady guide through the darkness, was barely glowing—its beam weak and flickering, like a soul running low on hope. I figured maybe the battery had died, or the lamp had simply reached its limit. But I had just charged it the night before, so it didn’t make sense.
Curious, I took it inside and decided to try a different USB port the next day. And just like that—boom—the light came back strong and bright, like it was brand new. That’s when the Holy Spirit whispered something deep to my heart:
“It was never the lamp. It was the power source.”
And isn’t that just like life?
We were created to shine—to bring light to dark places, hope to hurting people, and truth to a world drowning in lies. But here’s the truth: you can’t shine if you’re plugged into the wrong source.
So often, we wonder why we feel depleted. Why our passion has faded. Why we’re running on fumes. We look inward, blaming ourselves—thinking maybe something’s wrong with us. But maybe it’s not the vessel. Maybe it’s the connection.
Jesus said it perfectly in John 15:5:
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.”
That’s not condemnation—it’s invitation. It’s Jesus saying, “Stay plugged in to Me, and watch what I’ll do through you.”
Too often, we draw from empty wells—chasing affirmation, relying on our own strength, filling our schedules but starving our souls. Social media, success, people-pleasing, constant busyness—none of these have the power to sustain us. They may spark temporary light, but they can’t sustain the fire.
But when we stay connected to **Jesus—the true, unfailing Source—**His power flows through us. And when He empowers us, our light becomes a beacon that pushes back the darkness.
It’s Not About Doing More—It’s About Connecting Deeper
Being “plugged in” doesn’t mean adding more to your to-do list. It means surrender. Stillness. Seeking His face above all else. It’s choosing time in His Word over time scrolling your feed. It’s praying not just when life gets hard—but because you crave His presence. It’s learning to ask, “Lord, fill me today. I can’t do this without You.”
Even the most advanced tools are useless without a reliable power source. Likewise, even the strongest believer becomes weak when disconnected from the Source of life.
Practical Check-In: How’s Your Connection?
- What are you plugged into right now?
Are you drawing strength from truth—or just trying to keep up appearances? - Are your spiritual batteries running low?
Maybe it’s time to unplug from the noise and sit with your Savior again. - Are your relationships lifting you up or draining you dry?
Sometimes the “port” we’re connected to is pulling us further from God instead of closer.
The beauty is—God never runs out of power. He never burns out. He never flickers or fades. He’s not intimidated by your weakness. In fact, Isaiah 40:29 reminds us:
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.”
That’s the kind of Source I want to be connected to—faithful, steady, and full of resurrection power.
You Were Meant to Shine
In a world overwhelmed by chaos and compromise, your light matters. Your presence matters. Your faith matters. Your willingness to show up filled with the Spirit can be the turning point in someone else’s day—or their eternity.
So, if lately you’ve felt dim, distant, or discouraged—don’t give up. You’re not defective. You’re not disqualified. You just need a fresh connection. God’s power is available. His presence is near. His Spirit is ready to fill you again.
Matthew 5:14–16 says:
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden… Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
So, let’s shine—not in our strength, but in His. Let’s live lit by the Spirit, not dimmed by distraction.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for being my unfailing Source. Forgive me for the times I’ve tried to run on empty or depended on things that can’t sustain me. I don’t want to live dim—I want to shine for You. Rekindle the flame within me. Teach me to stay connected to You daily—not out of obligation, but because I need You more than anything. Fill me again, Holy Spirit. Empower me to be a light in dark places. May Your presence overflow from my life into the lives of those around me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Life-Giving Words of Hope & Encouragement 
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