Recharged Power

Bible Reading: Psalm 119:1-12

“Do we have everything?” asked Dad as the family piled into the car to leave for their camping trip. “How about the flashlight? Did somebody pack it?”

“I did,” said Kegan. “I took the one with rechargeable batteries.”

“Great idea,” said Dad. “All right—here we go!”

That evening after supper, Kegan pulled the flashlight out of his bag. “Let’s go, Ryder,” he called to his little brother. “Let’s go see what’s in the snack machine at the lodge. Okay, Dad?”

Dad nodded, so the boys took off, following the path through the trees. The flashlight beam flickered and grew dim. “Great,” muttered Kegan. “Whoever used this flashlight last didn’t recharge the batteries. It’s almost out of power.”

After getting a snack, Kegan switched the flashlight on. They started back to their campsite, but the light was too dim to be useful. Ryder hesitated. “I’m scared,” he whimpered. “I don’t like the dark. There could be a bear in the woods.”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” said Kegan impatiently. “Come on. Let’s go.” He stalked off into the darkness.

“Wait for me!” Ryder’s wails filled the night.

“Ryder, be quiet!” said Kegan as he hurried back to his brother. He grabbed Ryder’s hand and pulled him along as they made their way back.

“What happened?” asked Dad, seeing that Ryder was afraid. “Didn’t you use the flashlight?”

“Nobody recharged the batteries, and it gave out,” Kegan grumbled. “And Ryder’s a baby.”

“I see,” said Dad. He frowned. “I’m afraid the flashlight isn’t the only thing that gave out. Your patience did too. I think you need to be recharged.”

“Me?” asked Kegan. “What do you mean? How can I be recharged?”

“By remembering that Jesus gives you the power to be patient with others,” said Dad. “One way to do that is by reading His Word, the Bible. It helps recharge us by reminding us we belong to Jesus and have His Holy Spirit inside us, helping us show others His love. Of course, since our flashlight doesn’t work and our phones have limited power, we can’t read the Bible tonight, so who can remember some verses?” Everyone started reciting verses they had memorized.

“I think we’re feeling recharged now, don’t you?” Mom said with a smile.

“Yep,” said Ryder. Kegan nudged him and agreed.

-Violet E. Nesdoly

How About You?

Do you recharge by reading God’s Word? It tells us of Jesus’s love for us and what He did to save us. He reminds us that He has given those who trust in Him the power to love others and do what’s right. Let God’s Word recharge you and be the light that guides you down the path of life as you walk with Jesus each day.

Today’s Key Verse: Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

The Bible helps recharge you