While it is still dark, a solitary car drives through the gate to the factory. A lone figure makes his way to a back door, unlocks it, and steps inside. A light goes on, then another. Large machines are fired up, temperature control equipment is engaged, banks of machinery soon begin to hum. By the time 7 a.m. rolls around, the millwright has the plant all powered up and ready for a new day's production.

As followers of Jesus Christ, we can experience a similar "powering up." It should happen every morning. We aren't prepared for a day of spiritual and personal productivity until we've spent time "warming up." A chapter of Scripture, some well-spent moments of devotional reading, meditation, and prayer set the proper spiritual climate for the rest of the day.

We need God's power even more when we go through periods of emptiness, depression, or testing. Feeling shut down, we cry out to God. Isaiah declared that the Lord "gives power to the weak" and "increases strength" (40:29).

We need the strength of the Lord not only for severe trials but also for everyday living--and He has promised it. When we turn to God, we can "mount up with wings like eagles" (v.31). Go to Him daily to power up.  — David C. Egner