Withdrawing to soar elsewhere!

August 14th, 2011

Written by Anita Carman
Dear Faithful One,

Have you ever wondered if it’s time to stand your grounds or if it’s time to withdraw. Let’s learn from what Jesus did.

After Jesus healed a man from leprosy, Matt 12:14-16 tell us, “But the Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus. Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place. Many followed him, and he healed all their sick, warning them not to tell who he was.”

While Jesus was busy being a blessing, it was clear that the more Jesus blessed, the more the Pharisees wanted to get rid of Him. You may find in your life that all you wanted to do was to be a blessing, but those in your community are threatened by you. When Jesus was “aware of this”, He “withdrew from that place”. The next verse tells us, “Many followed him…”

In the midst of many who needed Jesus’ message, could it be that the best use of Jesus’ time was to serve where He was received and to avoid the places that blocked His ministry. Jesus withdrew from the place that tried to stop His work to focus on healing “all the sick”. I wonder if you have left behind all those who are ready to follow you and be impacted by your message by staying too long in a place that is blocking you. Is it time to withdraw so you can soar in God’s purpose?

I pray this devotion encouraged you in a special way. When I pray for you, I hear a victory song. I believe in you because I believe in the power of God’s Word in you as you put His Word into action.

Love, Anita