Zeal can be defined as, “The Courage to exercise great wisdom, great energy, and great diligence in loving service to God.” Last week, I discussed the importance of what we need to remember as we seek to grow in our zeal for the LORD. There are times in life, where we may feel we’re not growing spiritually in the Lord. The feelings may be valid. It’s good to take some time to examine them to see if they are true or not.

We may not be growing spiritually due to forgetting important truths revealed to us in scripture.  Or it could be that some disciples have become discouraged. Discouragement can come in a variety of ways (people, brethren, careers, health, government, etc.).  Satan loves to discourage God’s people.

However, it’s vital for every Christian to make the daily decision to remain with Christ and to grow in the grace and knowledge of God, 2 Peter 3:18. Even when Paul was in prison, separated from brethren, family, comfort, his normal routine, unable to travel and preach, and unable to build tents, we find Paul’s heart still burning bright for God. Zeal for God in any situation is still possible. It’s a choice we must make.

Every Christian plays a role in their zeal for God. We have a responsibility to draw near to God: “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded” James 4:8. Notice the order James gives us. We must draw near to God and He will draw near to us. When we feel like God is far away, it’s us who are far away from Him. One of the ways we can remain with Jesus is through a series of daily retreats. Jesus provides the best-case study of what these retreats should look like. In Matthew 14, we have recorded several impressive actions Jesus accomplished. After receiving devastating news of the death of John the Baptist, Jesus withdrew, Matthew 14:13. This was a regular habit of going away to be by Himself. What did He do? It’s not explicitly stated, but more than likely He went to pray and rest (see Luke 5:16; Mark 6:32).

Later in the chapter, Jesus performs a miracle. He felt compassion for the people (Matthew 14:14) and ended up feeding 5,000 men, besides women and children. Then in verse 23, Jesus took another mini retreat to pray. There was intense pressure on Jesus from His disciples to the crowds. How was He able to remain focused on accomplishing the work of God? He took mini retreats to spend alone time with the Father. Should we not do the same? As we mature as Christians, we will see the necessity of developing and protecting this habit even more. We will learn to cut through what’s important versus what’s necessary. Mary is a great case study for us. “Now as they were traveling along, He entered a village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. She had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word. But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, ‘Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me.’ But the Lord answered and said to her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her;” Luke 10:38-42. Sure, it was important to show kindness to a guest, especially Jesus. But what was even more necessary was to feast on His words! For us to remain with Jesus, to draw even closer to God, we must continue to feast upon His word. We must allow God to teach us and to mold our zeal for Him.

As we listen more to Jesus, we will be taught like the apostle Peter was taught about becoming more mindful of the will of God, than the will of man, Matthew 16:23. This will help us to remain with Christ even during the discouraging moments. Like Peter, we need to be taught courage from Jesus. Peter had to learn courage and to see the gaps in his faith when his request was answered to walk on water, Matthew 14:26. We must sit at the feet of Jesus to see what gaps we have in our faith, and to fill them up with His promises and His words, so we can be courageous as well.

Growing in our zeal for God is a continuous process.

Do we still remember what God has done for us?

Are we still willing to remain with Him?

If so, we are on the correct path of growing in our zeal for God.

Below are some I Can Do Podcast Episodes in case you missed them! God Bless.

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