Why should Jesus’ story about the judge who didn’t care about the people be an encouragement to keep praying, never giving up on God?
The power of God is at work in you to accomplish his purpose and make you his great delight. You are like the stars, giving light to the night. — Philippians 2:13, 15 The Discussion Bible
We live in a world that constantly demands more. With the relentless call for more productivity, more hustle, and more results, we can easily feel drained and discouraged. Energy, both physical and spiritual, often seems insufficient. What can we do?
Using What We Have
What we lack can be so obvious. We need more time, strength, and talent. If only we could get the support we need, then we could do amazing things. But wait. Scripture reminds us that God can multiply even the smallest offering when we give of ourselves in faith. With five loaves and two fish, Jesus fed a multitude. In God’s hands, limited resources become abundant provision.
The same is true for our energy. Rather than waiting until we feel strong or fully prepared, we are called to offer what we do have. We don’t need to be overflowing with energy to begin. We need to surrender what little strength we have and trust that God will multiply it.
Lifeline to Spiritual Energy
Prayer isn’t just for crisis moments. It’s a continual connection to the One who sustains us. There is never a moment when we don’t need God’s help. Prayer realigns our perspective, shifts our focus from problems to promises, and invites God’s power into our present circumstances.
Jesus himself modeled this, rising early to pray, even though he was already healing crowds and teaching multitudes. If the Son of God needed that connection to stay energized for ministry, how much more do we need God’s help?
Energy Drains
Often, the thing we think is draining our energy isn’t the true issue. Worry, procrastination, or unresolved emotional burdens can secretly sap our strength. These invisible drains make us feel tired before we even begin.
Sometimes, we must ask, “Am I tired because of the task … or because of the weight I’m placing on myself?” We can misdiagnose the problem and waste energy trying to fix the wrong thing. Honest prayer and reflection can help us uncover the deeper issues so we can find true rest and renewal in Christ.
Progress from the Start
One of the greatest energy wasters is the belief that we must do more than we feel capable of. Big problems can be paralyzing when we can see no solution. But Scripture and experience both remind us that steady, small steps matter. Whether it’s a new habit, a healing journey, or a creative endeavor, movement matters. Even a slow pace is better than stalling.
An object in motion wants to stay in motion. Spiritually, after we take the first step, the Holy Spirit can sustain and accelerate us. We may not have energy to finish, but we do have energy to begin—and beginning is the essential first step.
Doing the Plan
Planning is good. Scripture encourages wisdom and preparation. But plans that never move into action become heavy baggage instead of a helpful blueprint. Faith without works is dead, and so is planning without doing. The enemy will tempt us to delay, under the illusion that we should wait for better conditions.
If you know God has called you to something, it’s time to start. Even if it’s messy or uncertain. Even if it’s just one tiny step. The Lord often clarifies direction after we move, not before.
Strength of Surrender
Energy isn’t just about caffeine or motivation. Even trying can become a form of resistance if it avoids true surrender. How do we get more of God’s energy? We surrender our own might to his will. Surrender aligns our will with God’s, and in that alignment, supernatural energy flows.
God doesn’t promise strength for every possible task, but he always supplies strength for every appointed task.
Keep Asking, Moving, and Trusting
The energy to persevere often comes, not from breakthroughs, but from sustained trust. No matter the magnitude of a problem, there is always one small step in the right direction that will work toward resolution. This echoes Jesus’ teaching in Luke 18 about the persistent widow. Her energy didn’t come from having answers. No, it came from believing her effort mattered. But one important point is often missed about our persistence: We must be sure we’re knocking on the right door.
Likewise, we must keep asking, praying, and believing—knowing that even slow, faithful movement aligns us with the will and power of God.
Pressing On
Instead of waiting to feel “ready” or hoping for more strength before we get to work, let’s bring what we have to God. He specializes in making little much, turning weakness into strength. He will shine his light upon our way forward, one step at a time.
So today, ask him:
- How can I best use the energy I <em>do</em> have?
- What distractions are draining me?
- What small step can I take now?
- Am I aligning with his will or my own expectations?
Energy used wisely is energy multiplied. And when that energy flows from God’s Spirit, there is no limit to what can be accomplished.
Never Give Up
There once was a judge who just didn’t care.
He scoffed at the people, saying, “Life isn’t fair.”
But a widow kept coming, both early and late,
She knocked and she knocked at his iron gate.
She asked for some justice. He said, “Go away.”
But she knocked once again, the very next day.
She kept on knocking, which he tried to ignore.
Her knocking just echoed and rattled his door.
At last he gave in. He gave what she sought.
Not out of kindness, but being distraught.
Jesus said, “Listen. This judge was unjust—
Yet he answered her plea, though lacking in trust.”
How much more swiftly will God hear your cry—
He who loves you completely and rules from on high?
You’re never alone when you kneel down to pray.
Your voice reaches Heaven and is heard each day.
You don’t need to shout, be strong, or feel grand.
Just offer your heart and the work of your hand.
God’s power is alive inside of you still,
To shape you and move you according to his will.
You shine like the stars in a world that is dark. ,
Each prayer that you whisper ignites a small spark.
You may feel quite weak and small.
But you can be sure God sees it all.
We live in a world that says, “Do some more.”
But hustle and striving will drain down your core.
Instead of collapsing or trying to win,
Start right where you are. Just give what’s within.
Remember the fish? And the five little loaves?
They weren’t very much, but oh, how it grows.
When placed in his hands, your “little” will feed
A crowd full of hearts with all that they need.
So give God your strength, even if it feels thin.
He’ll stretch it and bless it and fill you within.
You don’t need to wait till you’ve got a full cup.
Just trust him and pray. And never give up.
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