100 Days with Jesus -- Are You a Spirit Quencher?

Day 58
Are you a spirit quencher or are you surrounded by spirit quenchers? I have been surrounded by spirit quenchers in times past, both in my personal life and in my business life. Sometimes it sneaks up on you and you don’t even realize it until you step away from it all. It’s a slow, subtle death of your enthusiasm, confidence and hope. As I get older, I’ve become more in tune to it and when I find myself surrounded by quenchers, I get away quickly. I used to think that I could ‘fix’ them so I would invest my time and energy trying. Before I knew it, I would begin to see my enthusiasm diminish and my optimism would wane. I always try to encourage but if it meets with rejection, I’m out of here!

I once had an employee that was always complaining. She was never grateful for the customers that chose to do business with us or for the wages she could earn to help support her family. Everything was a pure inconvenience. But worst of all she had no confidence in the company, the industry or me and after a long period of time, I began to question it myself. How did I combat this negativity? I prayed and asked God where did He want me to be? Was it time to move on to other things? But He gave me clear direction that I was to stay put and see it through. I’m so glad I listened because many times I venture out on my own. And now, that employee is gone, having missed the greatest opportunities in the business in several years. I am surrounded by some of the most uplifting and encouraging people that I’ve ever known. We’re working as a team and are excited about our futures. The negativity had to move out to make room for the optimism. It’s like light and dark. Negativity and optimism cannot exist together in the same space. 1 Thessalonians 5:19 says ‘Do not quench the Spirit’. I pray that I will never quench anyone’s spirit or the Holy Spirit working in their lives.