Your Light Won't Shine If Your Wick Is Wet

My Utmost For His Highest  

Did not our heart burn within us…? —Luke 24:32

{CHAMBERS} “Much of the distress we experience as Christians comes not as the result of sin, but because we are ignorant of the laws of our own nature. For instance, the only test we should use to determine whether or not to allow a particular emotion to run its course in our lives is to examine what the final outcome of that emotion will be. Think it through to its logical conclusion, and if the outcome is something that God would condemn, put a stop to it immediately. […] And the higher the emotion, the deeper the level of corruption, if it is not exercised on its intended level. If the Spirit of God has stirred you, make as many of your decisions as possible irrevocable, and let the consequences be what they will. […] we must obey the light we received […] we must put it into action. When God gives us a vision, we must transact business with Him at that point, no matter what the cost.”

{ELGIN} After Jesus’ resurrection, two men were walking on the road to Emmaus when they encountered Him.  At first they did not recognize Him as Jesus, but they were drawn to Him nonetheless.  It was not until later that day did they understood they were in His presence.  That is how it is for us many times.  We find ourselves in some situation and don’t realize that it is God ordained.  The situation or circumstance may even be unpleasant, but our flesh will not allow us to see the true spiritual aspect of it.  There is a light within us that will shine its brightest when it is darkest. 

Be careful that you don’t use the measure of “how good you feel” as a determination as to whether God is in that particular circumstance.  You may be the only source of light.  If you use your feelings as a measure of what is right, spiritually, you may incorrectly choose to keep that light hidden, missing God’s intent for you being there.  Instead listen for the Spirit, watch for the spiritual opportunities that will certainly come your way. In the Army there was, maybe still is, an adage “You fight the way you train”.  Typically you won’t receive a Divine anointing for the day ahead of you. Instead, you must prepare yourself spiritually, every day.  Ephesians 6:10-18 describes the “Whole armor of God”.  God has made the way for you, but you must make yourself ready.  Not being ready is like having a wet wick.  When you need the light, you can't get your lamp lit.