One of the clearest signs that a car battery is on the verge of dying is when the headlights start to dim. You can still see the road, but something's off-it's just not as bright.

This happened to my car once, I actually thought my eyes were going bad - haha! One day I said to Brad, "I feel like I can't see the road in the evenings, even when my lights are on."

We turned them on so he could check, and it turns out I wasn't imagining things-or going blind. The lights were, in fact, super dim. Brad, very matter-of-fact, said, "Oh. looks like you've got a bad battery."

Um okay-that was not obvious to me at all. But thanks.

So, we got a new battery, and just like that, my lights worked like new again.

In our battery parable, when our spiritual battery is low, the light of our faith begins to dim.

Have you been there?

We still believe, but we're not as bold, not as clear, and not as willing to peak up or stand for truth. We hesitate to share what we believe. We may even begin to compromise on biblical principles - not necessarily out of rebellion, but because we don't feel as convicted... or maybe we're suddenly afraid to offend or stand out.

But the Bible calls us to be the light of the world:

"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on it's stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house." - Matthew 5:14-15

This is one of the reasons it's so important to keep our battery charged. A drained battery means our light won't shine brightly - and shining a beacon of hope in a dark world is our job.

"A lamp does not shine for its own benefit. It exists to light the path for others." - Charles Spurgeon

When our light begins to dim, it's a sign that we need to recharge. To reconnect with the source of our power - Jesus!

In fact, a sign of a healthy and vibrant relationship with Jesus is that your light will shine brighter and brighter over time. The closer we draw to Him, the more we grow, and the more radiantly we reflect His presence.

The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day." Proverbs 4:8

The more history you build with the Lord - the brighter your light will shine.

The more fruit and gifts of the Spirit are developed in you - the brighter your light will shine.

The more you become like Jesus - the brighter your light will shine.

The more testimonies of His faithfulness you gather - the brighter your light will shine.

The more intimately you know Him - the brighter your light will shine.

Sometimes we are so swept up in life that we don't even realize that our light has dimmed. This is your invitation to take stock. Look at where you were five years ago, one year ago, and today.

If you would like to be able to do a complete study of Recharged, order a copy by contacting Empowered Women's Ministry at empoweredwomen@pcg.org or 817.554.5900 ext. 371. Also available at pcg.org/resources or Amazon.