Faithfull Utterances: Power Leaks

By Dr. Froswa’ Booker-Drew
Columnist 

It’s easy to get overwhelmed and pulled in a number of directions. That was my week. It was a week filled with calls and responsibilities. On one call with a fabulous group of ladies that feed my soul, I was reminded about energy leaks. The consequences of our energy slowly leaking can be detrimental. A great analogy is to think about a house that leaks energy. Without proper insulation, energy costs can increase by at least 20 percent. Energy leaks through unsealed cracks and insufficiently sealed windows and doors as well as other unsuspecting areas in our homes. Leaking energy is expensive and requires repairs that if we do not take care of them in time, the consequences can be pricey and time consuming.

This same concept applies to our body, mind, and spirit. There are many cracks that are in our lives that we may not even be aware of. When we do not take care of what flows in and out of us, we can lose a lot of energy, time, rest, and even peace of mind. Sometimes these cracks are distractions. They seem as if they are good opportunities that we are being presented with but they will cost us peace and ultimately, the money isn’t necessarily worth it. A dear friend of mine reminded me that there is a difference between good opportunities and God opportunities. Often, we miss the opportunities God has for us because we are bogged down with so much good stuff to do. Those good things can block our ability to receive the great one because we are too busy, too tired, or too distracted. Those are also cracks draining our energy.

It was interesting when Jesus was on his way to heal someone that he encountered someone else who needed him. Luke 8:40-48 states:

“40 Now when Jesus returned, a crowd welcomed him, for they were all expecting him. 41 Then a man named Jairus, a synagogue leader, came and fell at Jesus’ feet, pleading with him to come to his house 42 because his only daughter, a girl of about twelve, was dying. As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him. 43 And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years,[a] but no one could heal her. 44 She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped. 45 “Who touched me?” Jesus asked. When they all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you.” 46 But Jesus said, “Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me.” 47 Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. 48 Then he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.”

I think there are some key lessons we can take away from this passage:

1. When you are heading somewhere, there will always be interruptions. Sometimes we can be so fixated on getting where we are going that we don’t see the opportunities to be a blessing to others. Jesus could have easily told her, “I don’t have time for you. I’m on my way somewhere else.” How can we be clear and open to possibilities that may seem like distractions at first but are actual opportunities to change us and others? How do we discern between these God moments and the distractions?
2. Jesus recognized that in helping someone, power left him. Each time we interact with others, power leaves us. The difference between many of us and Jesus is that He knew His power was gone. We can go for days without realizing we are depleted. How can you notice the energy leaks and power drainers in your life? How are these impacting your mental, physical, and spiritual life? Who or what is pulling on you?
3. How often are we so busy that we miss the opportunity to touch the garment of Jesus? Our wounds can keep us from reaching out to the get help we need. As we are moving toward our goals and dreams, are we being intentional in reaching out to Jesus to get replenished and healed to move forward? Otherwise, we will bleed out for decades seeking relief but never getting restoration. 
4. Watch out for the people who tell you that what you are experiencing is not real. Peter told Jesus what he felt should be dismissed. Just because they don’t get it doesn’t mean you should stop identifying what you know to be true in your spirit.

Leaking out energy can cost us more in the long run. Leaks in a house are sealed with insulation. Our insulation is spending time with God so that when we are distracted, attacked, and tired, we can withstand what we face. Even during a crazy week, I’m grateful for spaces that feed me and replenish me. I also know that I need God even more on this journey and if I am not being deliberate about spending time in God’s presence to mediate, refresh, and rejuvenate, it doesn’t matter where I am going if I can’t arrive intact. 

Dr. Froswa’ Booker-Drew is a Buckner International Board Member and currently serves as Vice President of Community Affairs and Strategic Alliances for the State Fair of Texas. She is the author of three books and the host of a podcast for women, The Tapestry.