I had the great privilege of preaching at Church on Sunday. It was wonderful to be able to share with those there something of the story of Gehazi – one of the lesser-known characters in the Bible – Elisha’s servant.

At the end of the service, I used an illustration that my brother had told me about; that of three matches.
The first match was unlit, signifying those who feel they have yet to fulfil their potential. The second was of a match that was burning, standing for those who felt ‘on fire’ for God and doing what they were called to do. The third was of a spent match, symbolising those who felt used up, burnt out and struggling with life.

I asked people which one of these images most resonated for them at that time. It was interesting to see an almost equal number of hands go up for each category.
In Exodus 3: 2 we read

‘…the bush burned… yet was not consumed.’
In the story of the burning bush, the plant is on fire, but it is not being destroyed. It was burning, but it didn’t burn out. This is a key principle in our Christian lives. It is possible to be on fire for God without getting damaged and without hurting other people in turn.

We all know some people who once yearned for the things of God who have since burned out and vanished from our small groups, churches and sometimes, even lives. Herbert J. Freudenberger, a psychologist, describes such burnout as ‘fatigue brought about by devotion to a cause that failed to produce the expected reward’. So how can we avoid burning out completely?

I think we need be intentional about seeking out God’s input. ‘If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault…’ (James 1:5 NIV). God is an expert; we must consult Him.

I am glad that God gives generously to me, and doesn’t choose to find fault in the process. He doesn’t count the cost of the exchange. (Even though almost all of it is one-sided!) He gives to me because He loves me, however I am and however I feel.

How do you feel today? Which kind of match do you most relate to?
I shared with people on Sunday that I had often felt like a spent match, but one that God has used in many ways. God has drawn some wonderful images with the charcoal of my life. He continues to amaze me with how He lights me, even when I feel as though I can’t be lit again.

Allow God to draw close to your today and relight your fire, so that, as ‘Take That and Lulu’ once sang “Your love is a burning desire.”