Have you ever stood right next to an electrical outlet, holding a phone that’s completely dead? The power is there. The source is reliable. But until you actually plug in, nothing happens.
That simple reality applies not just to electricity—but to our spiritual lives as well. (You can listen to the podcast about this HERE or go straight to the conversation guide HERE.)
The Power Was Always There
In the early 1900s, electricity was transforming city life—lighting streets, powering machines, changing the world. Yet most American homes remained dark. Why? Because even though the power grid was growing, people had no simple, safe way to connect.
That changed in 1904, when inventor Harvey Hubbell patented the first “separable electric plug.” With this outlet-and-plug system, electricity became accessible to everyone. People no longer needed to understand the science—they just needed to plug in.
The Same Is True With God
This is exactly what we’re invited to do with the Lord. “Come near to God and He will come near to you.” (James 4:8a, NIV)
God is powerful, mighty, and full of authority. That’s never in question. But He doesn’t force Himself on us. He waits for us to respond—to draw near, to connect, to plug in.
You can go to church, read Scripture, and know facts about God—and still be spiritually unplugged. Proximity isn’t the same as connection. And one of the most personal ways to connect with someone is through conversation. That’s what prayer is.
Prayer: How We Plug In
Prayer isn’t just a religious habit or a last resort. It’s how we connect personally with the God who invites us to come near. Just as a phone recharges when plugged in, prayer brings us into direct connection with the Source of all wisdom, power, peace, and purpose.
Prayer doesn’t flip a switch to activate God. It’s our response to His open invitation. He’s already close—we simply need to come close to Him. I love how Hebrews 4:16 echoes this truth:
“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
We can plug in—approach God with confidence—and be met with mercy and grace. What a promise!
Close Doesn’t Mean Connected
It’s easy to assume we’re “plugged in” just because we believe in God or go to church. But let’s not confuse closeness with connection.
A lamp near an outlet doesn’t light up until it’s plugged in. A phone lying beside a charger doesn’t charge unless it connects.
The same is true for us. We don’t just need to acknowledge God—we need to engage with Him. That happens when we pause, pray, listen, and reconnect with Him throughout the day.
Don’t Wait Until You’re at 1%
We’ve all had that moment—our phone hits 1%, and we scramble for a charger. So why do we wait until we’re emotionally, mentally, or spiritually drained before turning to God?
What if plugging in became a daily habit—not a desperate fix?
Prayer doesn’t require eloquence. It requires nearness. It’s a rhythm of humility, dependence, and relationship. And it’s the very thing that renews our strength and revives our faith.
Plugged In People Light the Way
When electricity became accessible, it didn’t just change one house—it transformed entire communities. The same happens when we live “plugged in” lives. Our connection to God doesn’t just bless us—it blesses those around us.
As we live connected to Him, we help others see the way to experience God’s power and come near to Him too.
So, What About You?
Are you standing near the outlet but still unplugged? Are you running low and waiting for a recharge? Or are you ready—right now—to plug in and reconnect?
Take Scripture up on the invitation: “Come near to God and He will come near to you.”
His power is real. His presence is near. The outlet is right beside you.
All you have to do is plug in.
Be encouraged! ❤️
Tosha
