Encouragement for Today

September 18, 2024 Embracing Interruptions GRETCHEN SAFFLES Lee en español

“And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.” Mark 1:35 (ESV)

Some days feel like a continuous string of interruptions. From the moment my feet hit the floor in the morning, I pingpong from diaper changes to unexpected deadlines to snack cleanup to requests that upend my entire daily agenda.

When productivity feels impossible and interruptions multiply, I remind myself of how Jesus handled distractions.

Jesus didn’t turn little children away; He welcomed them into His arms (Mark 10:13-16). He didn’t scold the bleeding woman who touched the hem of His garment while He was on His way to Jairus’ home; instead, He healed her (Luke 8:40-48). Jesus is the ultimate example of how to handle interruptions with grace and purpose.

In Mark 1:35, we see a glimpse into Jesus’ relationship with God the Father while Jesus was on earth: “Rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.”

The quiet never lasted, though, because right after this, Jesus faced the same thing you and I face: interruptions. “And Simon and those who were with him searched for him, and they found him and said to him, ‘Everyone is looking for you’” (Mark 1:36-37, ESV).

Jesus didn’t rebuke Simon for interrupting His solitude. He didn’t snap at His disciples or complain about how they interrupted His quiet time. He said to them, “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out” (Mark 1:38, ESV). Jesus responded with patience, grace and purpose. He tended to their needs and reminded them of His mission — and theirs.

This morning, I woke up before anyone else in the house to read God’s Word. After pouring my coffee, I grabbed my Bible and sat down on our well-worn couch. Like clockwork, I heard a thump, a door opening, and a little voice at the top of the stairs whispering, “I want to come snuggle.”

My children have a sixth sense for when I need time alone or time with God. In these moments, I’m reminded of the grace of Jesus.

Perhaps sometimes the distractions we face when reading God’s Word are His whispers to us to slow down, to remember that we need Him. Maybe the child who calls for us when we’re working, or the friend who asks to chat when we’re heading somewhere, is His ministry for us today.

When seen through the eyes of Christ, interruptions aren’t delays or intrusions at all. Interruptions are opportunities to live out the Word and follow in the footsteps of our King.

God, I know that interruptions are inevitable. By Your grace, please help me learn to see them as opportunities to live like Christ, love others, and trust You with each moment. Cultivate a spirit of patience and joy in me so I can respond in a way that honors You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

If you desire to grow a deep love for God and experience His faithfulness and goodness in the pages of Scripture, grab a copy of Gretchen Saffles’ newest devotional, Word before World: 100 Devotions to Put Jesus First.

ENGAGE

Gretchen Saffles is a wife, mama, bestselling author and relentless rookie gardener. She believes God’s Word never changes, but it always changes us. You can connect with Gretchen on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube or her website.

Enter to WIN your very own copy of Word before World by Gretchen Saffles. To celebrate this book, Gretchen’s publisher will give away 5 copies! Enter to win by leaving a comment here. {We’ll randomly select 5 winners and then notify each one in the comments section by Monday, September 23, 2024.}

FOR DEEPER STUDY

1 Corinthians 13:4-5, “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful …” (ESV).

How do you typically respond if you’re interrupted when you’re reading the Word? How might you respond to interruptions with love?

© 2024 by Gretchen Saffles. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries thanks Tyndale House Publishers for their sponsorship of today’s devotion.

Click here to view our policy on third-party links.