Running on Empty: The Danger of Doing God’s Work Without God’s Presence

We’re preaching, building, posting, planning.
We’re mentoring, ministering, launching, leading.
We’re doing God’s work—but are we doing it with God?

Somewhere along the way, it became easy to confuse spiritual activity with spiritual intimacy. And while the world might applaud our pace, Heaven is more concerned with our posture.

Because the truth is—ministry without intimacy leads to burnout, bitterness, and breakdown. It’s possible to be anointed and empty. Called but disconnected. Platformed but spiritually parched.

Yes, we’re called to the work.
Yes, there is a divine assignment.
But we were never meant to build without abiding.
Never meant to serve without being sustained.

The Applause Feels Good—But It Can’t Fill You

It’s easy to keep showing up because the response is strong.
People are clapping. Souls are being reached.
Doors are opening, and the “likes” are confirming what you already know: You’re anointed. But public affirmation can’t replace private communion.

We must be careful not to let visibility convince us we’re spiritually full.
The crowds may see your gift, but only God sees your heart—and He desires to meet you in the secret place long before He sends you to the spotlight.

What if our calendars are full, but our cups are empty?
What if our sermons are powerful, but our secret place is silent?
What if we’re building platforms while our own soul is slipping through the cracks?

He never called us to build burnt out.
He called us to co-labor with Him.

Signs You’re Doing God’s Work Without His Presence:

You feel constantly overwhelmed and under-nourished
Prayer becomes a checkbox instead of a lifeline
You’re driven by deadlines, not led by the Spirit
You start resenting what you once felt honored to do
You can’t remember the last time you just sat with God without an agenda

Sis, God is not just after what you can do for Him.
He wants you. Your heart. Your attention. Your affection.

It’s time to return to the secret place.
To trade performance for presence.
To stop hustling for God and start walking with Him again.

Let Him refill you. Restore you. Realign you.

Because the fruit of your ministry should never cost you your intimacy.

“Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.” — Psalm 127:1 (NIV)

Reflection:
Where in your life or leadership have you replaced stillness with striving?
Take 10 minutes today to unplug, sit in silence, and simply be with God—no agenda, no performance, just presence.

Ask Him: