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THE SURROGATE JOURNEY: BIRTHING PURPOSE THROUGH OTHERS.  PART 3: THE WEIGHT OF THE WOMB — WHEN CARRYING GETS COMPLICATED Genesis 16:5–6 Then Sarai said to Abram, ‘You are responsible for the wrong I am suffering. I put my servant in your arms, and now that she knows she is pregnant, she despises me.’ Then Sarai mistreated Hagar; so she fled from her.” (NIV) 🔁 Quick Recap: In Part 2 , we met Hagar, the Egyptian servant chosen by Sarai to carry her child. Though not her dream, not her plan, and not her baby—she became the carrier of a promise she didn’t initiate. We learned how sometimes we are called to be the “other woman” in someone else’s destiny story—carrying, serving, interceding, and pushing someone else’s dream forward. 🤰 The Blessing that Brought Bitterness Hagar became pregnant. She was carrying the long-awaited seed. She should have been celebrated. But instead… she was mistreated. The one who chose her now chased her. The one who needed her now neglected her. The woman...
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JUMPSTARTING YOUR LIFE—THE POWER OF DIVINE CONNECTIONS PART 5:SUSTAINING THE FIRE—KEEPING THE ENGINE RUNNING

 

THE STORY: A WORKING CAR NEEDS REGULAR MAINTENANCE


Welcome to Part 5 of our Series, Jumpstarting Your Life: The Power of Divine Connection.

In Part 4, we learned that sometimes we have sparks but no ignition—meaning we are connected but still not seeing results. We discovered that internal weaknesses, blockages, wrong connections, and impatience can prevent progress. True ignition happens when we clear these obstacles and allow God's power to flow fully in our lives.


PART 5: SUSTAINING THE FIRE—KEEPING THE ENGINE RUNNING


THE STORY: A WORKING CAR NEEDS REGULAR MAINTENANCE

After my landlady’s son successfully jumpstarted his car, everything seemed fine. But one morning, I noticed he was back under the hood, frustrated. The car started, but now it kept shutting down unexpectedly.


What was the issue?

The battery had received power, but he wasn’t maintaining it—no routine checks, no charging, and no monitoring.


This is exactly how many of us live our lives! We get a breakthrough, a revival, or a fresh start, but without proper maintenance, we lose momentum and end up back where we started.


WHY MANY LOSE THEIR FIRE AFTER A BREAKTHROUGH


1️⃣ Neglecting Daily Maintenance – Just as a car needs oil changes and battery checks, your life needs constant refueling. (“Give us this day our daily bread.” – Matthew 6:11)


Spiritually – No consistent prayer, Bible study, or fellowship.


Physically – Ignoring health, fitness, and rest.


Socially – Neglecting relationships and communication.


Financially – Not managing resources wisely.



2️⃣ Forgetting the Source of Power – Some people think because they received a blessing, they no longer need God or others. But just as a car can’t run without fuel, you can’t sustain success without staying connected. (“Remain in me, and you will bear much fruit.” – John 15:4)


3️⃣ Refusing to Adapt and Grow – As seasons change, you must adjust and upgrade. A car battery wears out over time, and so do old habits and methods. If you don’t grow, you risk becoming outdated and ineffective. (“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” – Romans 12:2)


4️⃣ Overloading the System – Some people take on too much without developing capacity. When you overload a battery, it weakens faster. Burnout is real! (“Wisdom is profitable to direct.” – Ecclesiastes 10:10)


HOW TO KEEP YOUR ENGINE RUNNING STRONG


✔ Stay Consistently Connected to Power – Your source (God, mentors, personal growth) must remain your priority. (“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” – James 4:8)


✔ Commit to Daily Spiritual, Mental, and Physical Growth – Small, consistent efforts create lasting impact. (“Do not despise small beginnings.” – Zechariah 4:10)


✔ Surround Yourself with the Right Support System – Who is helping you stay accountable? (“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17)


✔ Prioritize Rest and Renewal – Don’t let burnout kill your momentum. (“Come to me, all who are weary, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28)


✔ Upgrade When Necessary – Keep learning, adapting, and improving. Stagnation kills progress. (“Grow in grace and knowledge.” – 2 Peter 3:18)


REFLECTION:

Have you been maintaining what God started in your life?

Are there areas where you’re running on empty because of neglect?

What steps can you take today to keep your engine running smoothly?



PRAYER:

Lord, thank You for the breakthroughs You have given me. Help me not to grow complacent but to stay connected, consistent, and committed to growth. Give me the wisdom to maintain what You have started, and the strength to sustain my momentum. In Jesus’ name, Amen.


COMING NEXT: PART 6 – "WHEN YOUR ENGINE OVERHEATS—KNOWING WHEN TO PAUSE"


Just because your car has started doesn’t mean you should run it without rest. Many people push themselves too hard without realizing the dangers of burnout. In Part 6, we’ll explore how to recognize warning signs, embrace balance, and prevent breakdowns in life.


Are there areas in your life where you started strong but are now losing momentum?


What daily habits, lack of consistency, or disconnections could be draining your fire?

What stood out for you in today’s message?

Tag 3 friends who need this devotional today


Share your thoughts in the comments below! Don’t forget to like, follow, and share this with someone who needs it. Also, drop your testimonies—we’d love to hear how God is working in your life!


Thank you! 🤝


 Julius Nenebi-Darkson

(El-PJ God's Penman)

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