I love sports cars; and while researching vehicle performance I learned the following:
Your vehicle can experience what’s called “glazing,” which is a build-up of carbon along the piston walls, which makes it difficult for the pistons to fire and operate correctly. To the driver, this will appear to be a power loss…. But the cause has nothing to do with mechanics but rather the driver or owner of the vehicle…if you continuously drive the vehicle “gingerly” like between 2-3 thousand RPM, the carbon doesn’t get burned away when the piston fires, because the combustion is not being demanded, as a result, the piston walls gums up with carbon and the piston cannot perform as designed or desired, ultimately resulting in an underperforming engine.
Now, if we were to apply this to ourselves, I would suggest that we embrace the times we are being pushed,…. embrace the moments where it’s difficult to push through…. whatever that may look like for you…perhaps the loss of a close friendship because you are both going down separate paths, maybe a child who does not or will not heed your parental guidance and advice, perhaps it is a broken down romantic relationship which appears to be beyond repair, or finances are not working out, or you thought you would be a lot further along financially than you are now…Whatever it is, do not allow the negative experiences, the trauma, the pain, the guilt, the feeling that I am not enough.. build up in your mind …or you,… like a vehicle will experience a build-up of mess, and the voices of support and encouragement that are supposed to be there begin to get drowned out by all the mess in your mind; additionally, you feel sluggish physically, as you may have lost your motivation.
Isaiah 40:31, in the New International Version (NIV). The verse reads, “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint”.
An Explanation I got from Google states the following:
The phrase “waiting upon the Lord” is an act of faith and trust in God. It means to focus on God’s character, love, and eternal qualities. It also means to expect that God will show himself in our lives and provide care and presence.
The metaphor of mounting up with wings like eagles suggests that those who wait on the Lord can rise above their difficulties and soar to new heights. It also speaks of a renewed energy and sense of purpose.
So, now you know where I am going with this…staying within the arms of our protector when life starts to throw darts at us; staying close to the One who gives us strength to endure when we face difficulties, reading and reciting scriptures that allow us to prophesy the breathed word of God over our lives is what we need to do and we should be doing to not allow the build-up pain, trauma, and negative experiences that will hold us back from performing as God had originally intended for us.
Vehicles are built to meet the needs of our lives; some require a minivan, some may require a pickup truck, others an SUV or others A sports car.
A sports car was not designed to perform or to be handled like a minivan…a sports car is to be pushed occasionally at 3-4 RPM; I’m not encouraging reckless behaviour, but that’s how it performs at its best.
Ephesians 4 tells us In the kingdom of God, some are called to be apostles; some, prophets; some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
What I am saying is that some are called to more demanding positions than others but we all have one purpose in serving.
Those who are called into leadership, and are required to lead others, I encourage you to perform as God intended you to perform…He chose you because you could handle performing at peak levels around the winding corners and bumpy roads.
In conclusion, I leave you with the following thoughts:
1. Get to know what God has called you to, and perform as He intended.
2. Do not allow the tough parts of life to cause you to underperform, but rather get your strength from the Lord.
3. Get your tune-up or restore yourself by recommitting your ways to the Lord’s will so you can perform as designed for 2025.
Let us pray for God to speak to our hearts. For those who know that God has already spoken to and tasked for 2025….can you pray for others to hear the still, small voice?
Eric Shaw Jr. (Guest Blog Writer)
Call to Action
Hello Men and Young Men! I am looking for individuals who would like a platform to share their stories, encouragements and thoughts. Get in contact with me and submit your articles. I am also looking for someone with editing and podcasting experience who would like to be a part of this Genesis Man Project.
Also, if you would just like to respond to Eric’s article, please feel free to leave a message below!
Israel Harriott
(National Men’s Director – Eastern Canada)
The Genesis Man Project 