Surrender: Giving God 100%Chikamu

Giving God Your Time

Ready: 

“Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.” – Mark 1:35

Set: 

In a crazy world where schedules are full and we can pride ourselves on our busyness, what makes us stand counter-cultural is what we give to Jesus. Our coaches expect us to train throughout the week and through the off-season. Add schoolwork, jobs, and other responsibilities into the mix, and it can quickly become overwhelming. We can be tempted to forget our time with God because we need to get everything else done first. 

Let’s look at Jesus. What did He do? His days and weeks were packed to the brim, and He had the weight of responsibility on His shoulders. He had an incredibly full ministry with many miles to cover and people to heal, yet He set apart time for what mattered.

He Took Time with God

Jesus set aside time each day to be with the Father in prayer and communion. He made sure that however busy His schedule, He pulled away from the crowds clamoring for His attention to stay connected with God. He was always in step with the Father, acting and speaking the truth of what He heard God say. Even as a young boy when He was found at the temple after being left behind on the journey home, Jesus had His priorities in order.

He Took Time with Others

Jesus was never in a hurry, no matter how pressing needs were or where He had to go. He took His time, and when He encountered a person who needed a word or healing touch from Him, Jesus lingered, looked them in the eye and spoke directly to them before proceeding to do what was needed.

Where can you give a little extra bit of your time? Are you willing to get up a few minutes earlier to start your day in God’s Word? Can you sneak away in the middle of the day to flip open a devotional and read an excerpt? What about stopping before you start that third Netflix episode and take some time before bed to reflect on what God did throughout the day? Today, spend some time speaking with God a little bit more than usual.

Go:

1. Is it hard for you to set aside time with God? Why or why not? 

2. What area of your life do you think God is asking you to give more of your time?

3. Spend time today with someone who may feel lonely. Give them your time.

Workout: 

Psalm 90:12; Luke 2:49; John 10:30

Overtime: 

Lord, You are over all of time. Time is nothing to You, and You have set eternity in our hearts. Help me to pay attention to where and how I spend my time. Let me look for ways to see You better in my days and take time out of my days for those who need encouragement and care. Amen.