The new year starts with so many hopes, dreams and goals to set and conquer. January always seems like a great time for a fresh start. I'm ready to go for it and to pursue all God gives me. Yet I feel overwhelmed already. There are so many wonderful opportunities and immense needs all around. God help me!
I read a great devotional last night from Aletha Hinthorn
that said Jesus asked His disciples one specific question related to prayer and that was "Couldn't you watch with me even one hour?" Matthew 26:40 I was so encouraged by that message and thought, "Wow! I need to do that." But of course, I was tired last night. The next verse "Keep watch and pray so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!" Matthew 26:41 The disciples fell asleep at the time of Jesus' greatest need. They could have been praying but they were tired so they slept. My rationale when I was reading the devotional was "I'll do that tomorrow." God reminded me that I need to take the opportunities as they come to me and not wait for the perfect time. Just start praying.
Serving God this year may involve some difficulty. God may need me when I am tired or busy. Just as Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem (Luke 9:51) because that's what God had called Him to do-I must go forward meeting with and spending time with God no matter what else comes my way. I must take time. That time with God will be the greatest hour of my day-giving guidance to the rest of my day and for all of my life.
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