It’s Time to Rise: Rekindling Your Passion for God
“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” —Romans 12:11 (NIV)
Imagine a fire pit on a chilly evening. At first, the flames leap high, warming everyone gathered around. But if no fresh wood is added, the fire begins to weaken the light grows dim, and the warmth slowly fades. What once burned brightly is now only flickering embers.
Paul’s words in Romans 12:11 remind us that our walk with God is a lot like that fire: “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” Just as fire needs fuel, our faith needs tending. Without it, our passion for God can quietly fade. But with care, attention, and a willing heart, it can blaze again stronger than ever.
If your faith feels weary or stagnant, you’re not alone and you’re not without hope. God invites us to rekindle the flame, to rise again in passion, and to live boldly for Him.
Recognizing What Dims Your Flame
Passion for God rarely fades all at once. More often, it’s quietly smothered by subtle things: busyness that leaves no room for prayer, distractions that compete for our attention, or disappointments that cause discouragement.
Jesus warned in the parable of the sower that faith can be choked by “the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things” (Mark 4:19, NKJV). In its context, this was part of His teaching on how God’s Word takes root in our hearts. He showed that while faith is planted, it must be guarded from things that crowd it out.
Take a moment to reflect: what has been dimming your passion? Is it fatigue, misplaced priorities, or perhaps a quiet drift away from God’s presence? Naming the source is the first step to removing it.
Rebuilding Your Spiritual Momentum
Once you’ve identified what has dulled your fire, it’s time to lean into the practices that stir your spirit again. Spiritual momentum grows when we consistently return to the essentials of faith.
This is why Paul’s words in Romans 12:11 are so timely: “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” Historically, Paul was writing to Christians in Rome who faced pressure, opposition, and cultural distractions. He reminded them that their faith was meant to be alive and passionate, not half-hearted. That same call is for us today.
Start small but steady. Open Scripture each morning, even for a few verses. Whisper short prayers throughout the day. Recommit to worship, both privately and with others. Like adding wood to a fire, each choice to seek God fuels your passion and strengthens your spirit.
This is where Paul’s encouragement to Timothy also connects with us: “Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you” (2 Timothy 1:6, NKJV). While these words were written to a young minister, the principle is universal God has placed His Spirit within every believer, and we are called to fan that flame. Whether you lead a church, a household, or simply yourself in faith, that fire can be stirred again.
Making Room for God in Daily Life
Passion thrives in the presence. Just as relationships grow deeper when we spend intentional time with someone, our relationship with God flourishes when we invite Him into our everyday moments.
Jesus’ words in John 15:5 (NIV) give us the key: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” In its original context, Jesus was preparing His disciples for life without His physical presence, teaching them to stay connected to Him through abiding faith. The promise is as true for us now as it was then: when we remain in Him, our lives naturally overflow with spiritual fruit.
Instead of waiting for a “perfect” quiet time, weave God into the fabric of your day. Pray while driving, pause to thank Him for small blessings, or invite Him into your work and conversations. Every moment becomes an altar when your heart is turned toward Him.
Rising Again in Passion
The good news is this: your flame may have dimmed, but it has not gone out. God specializes in reviving weary hearts and breathing new life into faint embers. The Holy Spirit dwells within you, ready to rekindle your passion and strengthen your faith.
Don’t wait for a feeling to return choose today to rise. Place yourself in the posture of worship, obedience, and expectation. As you do, you’ll find your heart reigniting with fresh love for God and renewed boldness in your walk.
A Simple Step Forward
Today, take one tangible step to reset your faith. That might mean journaling a prayer of surrender, committing to read one Psalm each day this week, or reaching out to a fellow believer for encouragement. Small steps open the way for God to do greater work.
Prayer:
Lord, reignite the flame of passion in my heart. Help me to seek You above all else and to live with a faith that burns brightly for Your glory. Amen.
If you’re ready to keep growing in faith, I invite you to subscribe to the EXCEL2FAITH Newsletter at www.excel2faith.com. You’ll receive encouragement, resources, and tools to help you walk boldly in your journey with God.
🔥 Reflection + Quick Action
A “One-Minute Reset” challenge:
Write down one distraction that dims your passion.
Write down one step you’ll take this week to fuel your fire.
End by whispering the prayer: “Lord, reignite my flame.”
Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God
Francis Chan’s Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God is more than a book—it’s a stirring invitation to step out of a lukewarm faith and into the blazing reality of God’s love. Chan challenges readers to move beyond comfortable Christianity and rediscover what it means to live with passion, zeal, and awe before a holy God. Through Scripture, stories, and piercing questions, he reminds us that God’s love is not casual but radical, relentless, and life-transforming.
This message echoes the heart of our recent article, It’s Time to Rise: Rekindling Your Passion for God. Just as a fire needs fuel, our spiritual lives need tending. Chan presses us to consider: Are we living as if God’s love is the most breathtaking truth in the universe? Or have we allowed busyness, distraction, or complacency to dim our flame?
Reading Crazy Love is like holding a mirror to your faith. It awakens a holy restlessness, urging you not to settle for mediocrity but to burn brightly for Christ in daily life. If you’re ready to reignite your passion and live with bold, vibrant faith, this book is for you.
Order your copy of Crazy Love today and subscribe to the EXCEL2FAITH Newsletter at www.excel2faith.com for continued encouragement and tools to keep your fire strong.
Heavenly Father, I come before You with a longing heart, asking that You breathe fresh fire into my spirit and renew my passion for Your presence. Forgive me for the times I’ve allowed distractions, weariness, or fear to dim my love for You, and help me to draw close again with zeal and joy. Teach me to abide in You daily, to tend the flame of faith through prayer, worship, and Your Word. Lord, let my life burn brightly as a testimony of Your love, so that others may see You in me and be drawn closer to Your heart.