In The Works And Labours Of Ministry

“Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” Luke 5:15-16 (NIV)

How often have we thought, ‘I have so much to do and so little time — I need to get everything done’? In our relentless pursuit of to-do lists and the demands of ministry, we find ourselves rushing from one task to the next, often neglecting the Lord for whom we are laboring and missing our communion with Him. Morning finds us hurrying, and by evening, we struggle to focus on the One who is Most Precious and deeply Desired. And so, day after day, this cycle continues.

Consider Martha, who found herself in the very presence of Jesus, yet was overwhelmed by the details of hospitality. In her fervent desire to serve Him, she lost sight of Him. Her heart was consumed with preparation, anxious to please her guests, yet she failed to recognize the very presence of her Lord. Her attention was so distracted that she couldn’t see or hear what He was saying. No wonder her heart grew frustrated, perhaps even resentful, as no one—not even her sister—noticed her desperate need for help. Martha was “worried and upset about many things,” wanting to create a grand feast. But Jesus gently called her to set aside her burdens and prioritize what truly mattered—Him. In contrast, her sister Mary “chose what is better”—to sit at Jesus’ feet and absorb His teaching.

How easy it is to fall into the same trap. We become overwhelmed by the demands of ministry, and in doing so, we risk losing sight of Jesus. When we begin to believe that ministry depends solely on our efforts, we shift from living in relationship with Him to merely working for Him. This disconnection reproduces exhaustion. Our spirits grow weary, frustration takes root, the irritations of people become magnified, and everything appears out of sorts. Instead of feeling fulfilled, we feel drained. We spend tremendous time and energy trying to fulfill our responsibilities, but Jesus reminds us that true productivity and fruitfulness flow from quiet, calm abiding in the Lord, rather than from frenetic activity.

Jesus Himself was no stranger to the pressures of ministry. He faced constant demands, relentless crowds, and countless needs, yet He always carved out time to be alone with His Father. That’s the secret! He found strength in solitude, drawing near to God to refuel His spirit. His example teaches us that, in the chaos of ministry and life, we must prioritize time with God.

When we’re caught up in the whirlwind of service, it’s easy to feel like we’re running on empty. The circumstances seem impossible, discouragement tries to sink into our hearts, the opposition feels daunting, and our hands are ready to drop. Yet, let us anchor ourselves in the truth that everything we do is for Christ, through Him, and ultimately to Him. No task, no matter how noble, can replace our relationship with our Precious Lord. He alone is our worth, wherever we go and whatever we do. His promise echoes through ages: He will never leave us nor forsake us; He is our helper, and nothing and no one can harm us.

True life with God isn’t about burden; it’s about restoration. It brings joy and hope. As we follow Christ in every moment and every step, engaging in His works, we can confidently rest in His promise: He is with us “to the very end of the age.”

“The greatest competitor of devotion to Jesus is service for Jesus.”— O. Chambers

“Lord, I thank You for Your constant presence, that You will never leave or forsake me. Thank You for the peace found in steadfast communion with You. Forgive me for becoming distracted, sinking into worry, and the weight of tasks. I come to You now, exchanging my exhausting labor for Your grace. Help me fulfill the work You’ve entrusted to me, by Your mighty power and guidance. Let me serve alongside You. Amen.”