Feeling burned out, disconnected, or like your something is missing in your life? You’re not alone.
There are those seasons when your spark—your sense of aliveness, that spring in your step—seems impossible to find. It can be a challenging test to your patience. Perhaps you once had a clear direction, a passionate purpose, and suddenly… silence. Crickets. Nothing.
But here’s your gentle reminder: often your spark isn’t gone, it just needs a little fanning.
So what do you do in a season when your spark feels lost? Do you strive and search until you finally find it and can fan that tiny flame again? Do you try to ignore the flicker and just carry on with life? Do you blame yourself, spiraling into insecurity? Or do you pause and wait, trusting that God will gently reawaken it?
In crisis situations, we’re often advised to stay calm, because desperate or frantic action usually backfires. Like a car stuck in the mud, spinning your wheels only sinks you deeper. I wish I’d remembered this three years ago when I was diagnosed with burnout. I tried every single thing I could to speed up healing, but only ended up digging myself deeper into exhaustion.
Sometimes the bravest and wisest choice can be to pause, be still, and let God work: slowing down to speed up.
So, to make this more personal: if your inner passion were a fire, what state is it in this season of your life?”
Is it warm like a cozy hearth fire? Calm and contained like a candle? Uncontrolled and chaotic like a wildfire? Sweet and sizzling like a sparkler? Or is it full-on ablaze? In that case, yay for you! Please keep going and warming those around you!
But… if it’s slightly flickering or fading, here are 7 ideas
to fan the flames of your faith and light up your life again:
1. Be Still, Brave, Fueled
Psalm 27:14 (NLT) – “Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.”
Sometimes the boldest move is… patience. (Yes, I know.) Being more still and seeking God. Like Elijah under the tree, God can use periods of rest, quiet, and nourishment to restore your strength. Basic self-care and simple structure can create the conditions for your fire to go from burned out to burning brightly again. As a beautiful quote by Mary Anne Radmacher goes:
“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says, ‘I’ll try again tomorrow.’”
2. Seek God's Presence
Exodus 13:21 (NLT) – “By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them…by night in a pillar of fire to give them light…”
God’s presence is like a pillar of fire—guiding, protecting, and illuminating. Just as He appeared in the burning bush and led the Israelites through the wilderness, inviting His presence into your life can make your challenges seem smaller than His power.
Hebrews 12:29 says that “God is a devouring fire”. His presence consumes doubts, fear, and worry, making His Spirit inside us, “of power, love and a sound mind” stronger than our problems.
3. Steward and Fan the Gifts You’ve Been Given
2 Timothy 1:6 (NIV) – “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.”
God has already placed sparks within you—your gifts, talents, and spiritual gifts. Even when your passion feels asleep, you can faithfully steward and fan those gifts. Small, consistent acts of service or prayer can rekindle the Spirit’s flame.
4. Work With Passion, Even Before You Feel It
Colossians 3:23 (NLT) – “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.”
Sometimes, passion comes after action, not before. Doing your work with purpose and devotion for God, yep even those tedious tasks, can reignite your spark. As Simon Sinek says,
“Working hard for something we don’t care about is stress; working hard for something we love is passion.”
When we serve enthusiastically for God, our inner fire might just return.
5. Passion For God's House
Psalm 69:9 (TPT) – “My love for you has my heart on fire! My passion for your house consumes me!”
When our hearts burn for God’s purposes, passion for His house can be all-consuming—in the best way possible.
Serving others, being filled with God’s love and sharing it, whether it’s engaging in the next best step or a big mission, if it’s from God, it’s the fastest way to wake up that flame.
6. Surround Yourself With Flame-Fanners
Hebrews 10:24 (NLT) – “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.”
The people around you matter. Some smother your spark, others ignite it. Aim to surround yourself with mentors, friends, and small groups or communities who challenge, inspire, and stoke your spiritual fire. Even if you don’t have these people in your life right now, pray and trust for God to bring them. In the meantime, seek Jesus as that friend, be that kind of encouragement to those God puts on your path, and explore online sources or communities that add fuel to your fire.
7. Spotting Sparks Of Joy
Matthew 5:14-16 – “You are the light of the world… let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Even small moments—sunlight through the window, a kind word, a completed task—can be sparks that ignite your inner fire. Intentionally noticing them, perhaps even writing them down each day, rewires your heart for gratitude, hope, and renewed passion.
Deb Dana calls them glimmers, ‘micro-moments of joy and peace’ that can even restore your nervous system with time.
Even when your inner fire feels dim, keep taking those faithful steps forward.
When our spark fades or we feel burned out, it’s tempting to try harder, to force it back to life. But often, it’s in the quiet waiting, in warming ourselves in God’s presence, that His refining fire not only breathes life back into us, it also strengthens, purifies, and shapes us.
As your spark grows into a steady, warm flame, you might even be glad you didn’t rush it, as the process itself teaches you so much and transforms you. This season may mean the gentle closing of one chapter and the opening of the next—one that burns brighter, steadier, and more alive than ever before. And the beauty is: your fire will not only burn brighter for you, it will also warm and illuminate those around you.
Wishing you an sparkling rest of your day!
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