Recharge Before You React

And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. (Matthew 14:23)

Jesus went alone to pray and recharge. Did you know you need to do the same? The assignment God has given you will also drain you. People will drain you. Even ministry drains you. Doing good things, God things, still drain you. So Jesus shows us the rhythm of walking in the miraculous: pour out, then pull away. This comes right after Jesus fed thousands—a huge task and a big victory. But Jesus didn’t stay in the moment of applause; He stepped away to pray. He knew that spiritual output must be balanced with spiritual input. Believers also need to understand that Jesus didn’t climb the mountain just to rest or enjoy nature. He went to pray. This wasn’t a retreat; it was a time to receive. Jesus was being refilled and getting new instructions.

Many believers feel exhausted because they keep acting on ideas like “I think I should” or “I feel like the best option is,” rather than based on faith. You can’t truly have faith in an “I think” or “I feel.” Genuine faith is rooted in “God said.” That’s why hearing is the first element of faith of the five elements of faith: Hearing, Receiving, Believing, Speaking, Acting.

If you aren’t hearing God’s voice, you can’t operate in faith. Step away from the noise, the crowd, the work, and the tasks, and pray in the Holy Spirit. Be silent, listen for His voice, and follow His lead. Jesus was never reactive to what was happening around Him; He was responsive to the Holy Spirit within Him.

Practical Application

You can’t hear from God if you’re always surrounded by noise. Schedule time to listen, pray, and receive. Turn off your phone, spend time alone with God, and expect to be recharged and to receive your next assignment.

Luke 6:12; Mark 6:46