“Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.”

Mark 1:38-39

Jesus did not seek to tackle every problem and meet every need. He knew the importance of following God’s direction and so left the crowds in Capernaum to go teach elsewhere. Do we recognize the importance of discovering God’s priorities for us, or does prayer get pushed out by the pressures and busyness of life? Do we take on roles and tasks to please others, or because we think God wants us to? How easy do we find it to say ‘no’ to misguided pressure? Let’s recognize that if Christ had to say ‘no’ to many things that seemed like good ideas, so will we. Let’s support our leaders in this, too, by not pressuring them to be overly busy and by praying that our churches are following God’s priorities rather than doing too much.

APPLY

Are you facing pressures to take on more than you should? Do you know what God wants you to prioritize and focus upon? Pray about these things.

CLOSING PRAYER

Lord Jesus, lead me where you want me to be today. Keep me focused on you and help me to do what you have purposed for me.

(Edited from Encounter with God)