Prioritizing and Finding Strength

Welcome back.

Yesterday, we reflected on the immense pressure Jesus faced in a single day. Today, let's explore how He navigated those challenges and how we can apply those principles to our own lives.

One of the key things Jesus did to endure great pressure was to prioritize His life and live within boundaries. He understood the importance of rest and connection with God. Surrounded by a pressing crowd, He called His disciples aside and said, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest” (Mark 6:31 NIV).

Just as Jesus needed time to recharge, so do we. It’s essential to nurture our bodies and souls. I want to share my own priorities with you in their right order, according to scripture. It starts and ends with God, then my role as a husband, my role as a father, my role as a friend, and finally, my role as a pastor.

I care about friendships and about fulfilling the roles that God gave me before I was a pastor, those being a father and a dad. When we define what’s truly important, we can set boundaries to protect those things.

Jesus also found His strength and priority in God. He stayed connected to the Father through prayer and solitude. Even in chaos, He made time to withdraw and seek God's presence. As Psalm 62:8 encourages, "Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge" (NIV).

We can find strength in God by releasing our frustrations, receiving help from others, and refocusing on Him. By prioritizing our lives and finding strength in God, we can better handle the pressures we face. Jesus modeled this perfectly, and we can follow His example.

This morning, I had a long and overwhelming list of “to-dos.” I felt the pressure to get to the office and dive directly into my work. However, as I drove, I felt a prompting from the Holy Spirit, a quiet invitation: “Come away with me.”

My friend, I accepted that invitation, and my day was completely transformed! I accomplished more by prioritizing time with Jesus. Don’t forget the wisdom or the example of Martin Luther, who once said: “I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.”

What a priority! What a joy! What a hope!

Let’s pray together...

Heavenly Father, help us to prioritize our lives and find our strength in You. Teach us to set healthy boundaries and to seek Your presence in the midst of our busy lives. Thank You for being our refuge and strength. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Never forget, my friend, you are a miracle!

Grant