I think as mom's we find ourselves in that same situation. As the boys have gotten older, I found myself being able to get up a bit earlier to read and pray. Oh, I loved this time. The house was quiet. I was fresh from just starting my day. Now, with 3 little ones, I find myself cherishing what time I am able to sleep in my own bed with no kids. It has come to the point where I have to find a quiet time throughout the day to spend time with God in prayer and study (Right now, Carter is hiding in the curtains and the 2 big boys are in the yard with their daddy). We have sleepless nights. We have sleep in the recliner nights. We have kids' beds, our bed, recliner, our bed, recliner nights. We have nights I don't have a clue as to how or when I got in bed.
People always say, "Oh, you have little one's." Like that is an excuse. We use that, but I don't want to use my children as an excuse. Even though sometimes it just seems like a matter of survival to push everything, including my "God time" to try to get a little rest.
Jesus had those that were searching for him, "Everyone is looking for you," (Mark 1:37). He was needed in more than one place, needed by more than one person. Jesus was tired, overextended, and busy. Yet, He still found the time to steal away to spend time with His Father.
I picture Him sneaking out the house quietly, tiptoeing into a wooded area. I see Him kneeling down, being supported by a huge rock. Like Beth Moore, I wonder what Jesus prayed about. I wonder how God spoke to Him.
I think today's reading is an excellent example of how
Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You for the many examples Your Word gives us on how I can be like Jesus. That is my desire, Lord, to be like Your Son. Help me to deny myself, my fleshy ways, wants, and needs to spend more time with You. Amen.
Well, that's just like God! Our Sunday School lesson was about finding time for a daily quiet time....I was convicted. Then I went to church and was convicted again during the sermon. Then I got up this morning for my devotional and it's all about finding time with the Lord and I was convicted again! I think it is so amazing that many things like this are not coincidence, but God speaking to us and showing us where we need to change. I like the verse she gave us from Isiaah 55:6-7 because we know we will find God when we seek him and that he abundantly pardons us when we ask.
ReplyDelete(NKJV) Isaiah 55:6 Seek the LORD while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near.(NKJV) Isaiah 55:7 Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the LORD, And He will have mercy on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon.