In a world with so much bad news, how can we keep hope alive?
Recently a friend shared a post called ‘signs of revival’. The instagram reel by Peter Grieg quoted several stories globally of breakthroughs, salvations and people turning to God.
Then my friend asked a great question:
Who do you follow on social media to stay inspired?
Here’s the underlying assumption I heard in the question: my level of inspiration is linked to the influences I choose.
What do you think about that?
Oil that inspires
You may be familiar with the parable Jesus tells about ten maidens who took oil lamps and went outside to meet the bridegroom and his bride.
Five of them were foolish and ill-prepared, for they took no extra oil for their lamps. Five of them were wise and sensible, for they took flasks of olive oil with their lamps.
Matthew 25:2-4 TPT
Oil in the scriptures is a metaphor for the Holy Spirit, who brings us revelation of the Word of God and power for ministry.
Tragically in this parable, the foolish ones run out of oil and the five wise ones refuse to share their oil.
Why?
We can’t! We don’t have enough for all of us. You’ll have to go and buy some for yourselves!
Matthew 25:9
What’s the point?
- It’s foolish to be unprepared. The onus is on me (and you) to be prepared
- Mmmm: You and I are responsible for our personal oil supplies
How to get extra
Here’s some thoughts:
- daily time in God’s presence produces daily fresh oil
- like the manna in the days of Moses, yesterdays oil is seldom satisfying today
- my oil levels are impacted by the company I keep
- oil is formed on the pages of God’s word; meditation enriches the flow
- times of prayer release oil
Go ahead and comment
What strategies do you find helpful in keeping your oil levels up?
Go ahead and share your thoughts in the comments section.
