Check Engine Light
Theme: Recognize your need for renewal before you break down.
Scripture:
Galatians 6:9 – “Let us not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up.”
Psalm 73:26 – “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart, my portion forever.”
Devotional Thought:
Every vehicle eventually flashes that dreaded orange light — “Check Engine.”
It’s not a suggestion. It’s a warning.
Ignore it long enough, and what could’ve been a quick fix turns into a total breakdown.
Spiritually, emotionally, and relationally — we all have check engine lights too.
Moments where something inside us is saying, “Slow down. Pay attention. Something’s not right.”
For some, it’s anxiety.
For others, exhaustion.
Maybe it’s the feeling that you’ve lost joy in serving, passion in prayer, or connection with others.
Like John Mark in Acts 13, you might be tempted to step away from the journey altogether — to say, “I’m done.”
But that moment of fatigue doesn’t mean failure.
It’s an invitation to pause, assess, and reconnect with the Source of strength before your faith burns out.
When the check engine light comes on, don’t ignore it — diagnose it.
Ask God:
“What’s draining me?”
“Where am I disconnected?”
“Who can I reach out to for encouragement or prayer?”
Sometimes, the solution is rest.
Sometimes, it’s accountability.
But always — it’s community.
Because isolation will never fix what connection was designed to heal.
Remember: burnout doesn’t mean God is done with you.
It means He’s calling you closer.
Reflection Questions:
- What are the “check engine” lights showing up in your life right now?
- How have you been trying to fix things on your own instead of inviting God (or others) in?
- Who can you talk to this week about what’s been weighing on you?
Prayer:
Father, when my soul feels weary and my light begins to dim,
help me not to ignore the signs of struggle.
Show me what needs to change, what I need to surrender, and where I need support.
Thank You for being my strength when I’m weak and my refuge when I’m worn out.
Help me stay close to You — and to those who can help me walk through the hard places.
Amen.
Daily Practice:
Take 10 quiet minutes today.
Turn off your phone.
Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal one area of your life that’s “running hot” — a place where you’re close to burnout.
Write it down, then take one small step this week to address it (talk to a friend, pray with someone, rest intentionally, or delegate a task).