28TH MARCH
Luke 5:15-16
“But now even more the report about him went abroad, and great crowds gathered to hear him and to be healed of their infirmities. But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray.”
The busier we get in ministry, the more we need to get alone with God!
Jesus’ ministry was growing. People with spiritual needs were gathering in large crowds to hear him. Many people were getting right with God. It was a spiritual revival. At the same time, many people with physical problems were coming to him for healing. If Jesus had approached his ministry from a natural perspective, he would have thought, “My ministry is growing! I have to capitalise on this moment. I have to be there for people. It doesn’t matter what I have to sacrifice personally, the gospel has to go out!”
But what did Jesus do? He “would withdraw to desolate places and pray”. Let me say it again, the busier we get in ministry, the more we need to get alone with God. Ministry is a waste of energy unless it is the overflow of my own walk with the Lord. Even ministry into the lives of people who desperately need it is not more important than maintaining my own prayer life and calling on God for his work in and through me. Take time to “withdraw” and recharge with God.
MAKE IT PERSONAL:
What priority does spiritual growth have in your life? How might your priorities need to change?