April 19, 2018

I AM PERSUADED THAT HE IS ABLE:

TO HELP ME WITHDRAW WHEN I AM WEARY

Luke 5:15 But so much the more went there a fame abroad of him: and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him of their infirmities. 16 And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.

WE SEE THE PUBLICITY

“The more went there a fame abroad of him”

Word has spread. People were coming from everywhere. Many of them just wanted to see a miracle, a sign, a wonder, or just a show. When God begins to do a work, word will spread, and people will show up to see it. However, there will always be some of those that hang out as long as it is exciting or entertaining, but when it begins to require something from them, they move on. I see it all the time, not just in our church, but in other ministries as well. Nobody wants to put the work in, but they all want to enjoy the show.

WE SEE THE PRESSURE

“Came together to hear, and to be healed”

That is a lot of pressure. There is pressure on your time, pressure on your emotions, and pressure on your mind. It drains your energy to minister to people. That is not a bad thing. Jesus was there to minister. He desired to help people. As a pastor, I desire to try to help advise, counsel, support, and minister to people. That is what we are in this for, but it does drain you. The constant demand on time is a part of pastoring I am still trying to figure out. I want to do all these things, and I want to help everyone that needs my help, but I just do not have enough time in the day. You can begin to feel guilty when you cannot help or please everyone.

WE SEE THE PRIVACY

“He withdrew Himself”

That is what must be done in our lives my friend. We have to notice when we are wearing down, and we must withdraw to be alone with God. If Jesus had to do it, we sure do. Jesus did not withdraw just to mess around, do nothing, and get a sun tan. Jesus withdrew to spend time with the Father and get His spirit renewed. Withdrawing our self will only help if we use the time wisely. We will come back just as tired and just as weary if we don’t get alone with God.

WE SEE THE PRAYING

“And prayed”

There is the key. Dear friend may I encourage you today. If you are wound tight, worn down, and weary from the pressures of life, why don’t you withdraw from “things” at some point today, get alone with God, and pray. Take the time to do it. Get out of your routine. Get away from the same old humdrum schedule. Have special prayer, specific prayer, supplicating prayer, stirring prayer, and strengthening prayer. You know you need it. You know it will not take place unless you make yourself do it. It is time. It is overdue. It is imperative! Yes, sometimes people need you, but you need God. Take your lunch time, your tv time, your exercise time, or your personal time and do it.