The Power of Withdrawal (March 23,2020)

"So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed."Luke 5:12

"Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray and continued all night in prayer to God. And when it was day, He called His disciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles."   Luke 6:12, 13

Jesus understood the Power of withdrawal.  He would often withdraw from everything and everyone to be alone, not because He was an extreme introvert, but because He knew that everyone needs time to rest, reflect, and pray if they want to be their best.  Jesus modeled the importance of withdrawal; “He often withdrew.”

In the Gospel of Luke, the author makes it a point to emphasize that Jesus regularly withdrew. Jesus’ ministry was flourishing and multitudes were coming to Him to be healed.  You could say His ministry was successful and had momentum, yet He withdrew.  Some might think, I can’t afford to withdraw because my absence might have an adverse effect on my ministry.  But Jesus offered a different perspective- He demonstrated that we can’t afford not to withdraw.  He didn’t let the distractions of the world or the demands of the multitudes stop Him from withdrawing on His own.

After long periods of intense ministry, Jesus withdrew to refresh and recharge physically, emotionally, and spiritually.  What did He do during His times of withdrawal?   He Prayed!

He made sure to stay connected to the Father because their relationship was the source of His strength and power.  In the Father’s Presence is where He found rest.   It was there that He received wisdom, direction, and discovered God’s will.  He withdrew and prayed all night before choosing the twelve disciples, who would become the apostles that would lead the church and the spread of the gospel.  Big decisions require dedicated times of prayer. This is what Jesus taught us by His example.

We are being forced to withdraw.  We should see this as a good thing, especially if we find it hard to withdraw on our own.  In our imposed withdrawal, it is important that we pray and stay connected to the Father.  This is our chance to strengthen our relationship with God.  If we have a big decision to make, we now have the ability to dedicate sustained times of prayer to receive guidance, direction, and discover God’s will.  If we are good stewards of our time, it could be the launching pad for what God has for us next.  I encourage you to spend time with God and ask Him what He wants you to do right now. With the extra time we have been given, it’s important that we stay open and transparent with God, allowing room for Him to speak to our heart, and taking time for self-evaluation.  Jesus withdrew on purpose. Let us be purposeful in our withdrawal and we will see greater depth and growth in our relationship with God as a result. What was meant to harm us, God will use for His good and His glory!

Much Blessings & Love, Amazingly Graced, Your Servant,

Pastor John Masis

Let's keep our Faith Level above our Fear Level

Our Worship Level above our Worry Level

Our Praise Level above our Panic Level

God is with us and for us; He is in control. Romans 8:31

He will supply all of our needs according to His riches in Glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

He will keep in Perfect Peace, whose mind is stayed on Him! Isaiah 26:3

Some trust in chariots, and some in horses, but we will trust in the Name of the Lord Our God! Psalm 20:7

Let’s keep praying for each other, wisdom for our gov’t leaders, God’s healing virtue to flow to the sick, the church to respond with God’s compassion & heart & an eradication of this virus once & all.