Withdraw

Question to think about: Do you withdraw?

Many people seem to be overcome with the pressures of life.
There is too much to do . . . to worry about . . . to balance.
Daily details.
Decisions.
Relationships.
Health.
Finances.
Home.
Work.
Life.
How is it possible to manage it all?
Jesus demonstrated one of the components to managing pressure:
Then Jesus, knowing that they meant to come and seize Him that they might make Him king, withdrew again to the hillside by Himself alone. (John 6:15, Amplified)
The people witnessed a miracle.
It seemed clear that Jesus could do something that could change the way people were living.
The people were ready for change.
They wanted a leader to take charge.
Jesus withdrew.
Most leadership how-to-guides fail to talk about the value of withdrawing.
Withdrawing is not the same as retreating.
Withdrawing provides the way to renew and rejuvenate.
Withdrawing provides the opportunity to become quiet . . . to become still . . . to know God . . . to be present in the presence, power, and peace of God.

The Message reiterates the prayer of what can occur when we become still and know the presence of Christ:

"That's why, when I heard of the solid trust you have in the Master Jesus and your outpouring of love to all the followers of Jesus, I couldn't stop thanking God for you—every time I prayed, I'd think of you and give thanks. But I do more than thank. I ask—ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory—to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers, oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him—endless energy, boundless strength!" (Ephesians 1:15-19, The Message)

Take time to withdraw.
Become still and know God.
Know the presence of Christ.
Focus and be clear about the way of Christ.
Renew your mind, heart, and soul through the presence of Christ.
Receive the immensity of the glorious way of life that God has given.
Remember the extravagant work of Christ in you.
Renew in the presence of Christ.
Rejuvenate through the endless energy and boundless strength of Christ.

Learning with you to withdraw,
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2009 All Rights Reserved)