Moving from the rest in God

Today's passage teaches us about our attitude toward ministry, people, and following God in what he wants to do.

Just try to imagine all the emotions involved in this passage. The disciples came back from their mission trip. From my own experience, I know these trips are exhausting. John the Baptist was beheaded, so there must have been the emotion of grief in this story. Then there was the demand of the people coming all the time. As it says in today's verse, "Jesus and his apostles didn't even have time to eat."

I understand the disciples asking Jesus to send the people away in verse 36 because they were tired and struck by grief, probably wanting and needing the rest Jesus initiated for this trip. If you put yourself in the disciples' place, you would probably have done the same. I have experienced many times the moment when Jesus said to me, "You do it. I know you are tired, but do it, and I will do it through you."

I have seen the most incredible miracles happen in these moments, the lame walk, cancer healed, and people touched powerfully by God's love. I can name more, but you get the picture. Just like the disciples, I was hoping for some relaxing time. One of the greatest miracles happened on the way to the beach. I had to learn to minister from the rest of God. It still means I will be physically tired, but I know that I will find my rest in God.

Prayer:

God, I want to be available for you always. When I am tired, give me the strength to move in you.