First Century Traffic Jams - Monday March 17, 2014
Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me... Matthew 11:29
Today as I get ready to face the challenges of everyday life, I find myself in need of time, energy and patience. You may be feeling the same way. At this Lenten season, I have been studying the gospels and have learned so much from how Jesus faced His challenges.
The first area that strikes me is patience. Truth be told, I am not the most patient driver in the world. I dislike being stuck in heavy traffic and getting behind in my schedule. Jesus was in some intense traffic jams as well. Think of Him entering into Jericho or people pressing in on Him in crowds, barely being able to move. Yet He didn't focus on His own agenda, nor did He lose His cool with the other "drivers." He took time to listen and to heal. He gave Zaccheus a friendly wave as He encountered Him. I wonder how many Zaccheuses I miss in the course of the day because I am frustrated and impatient.
The next encouraging lesson is that Jesus was available to help in the middle of the moment with people's real and practical needs. In Luke 5 when Peter and the other fishermen came up empty after a night of fishing, Jesus filled their nets with so many fish that the nets began to break, more than they could have imagined. It stands to reason that He is equally willing and able to fill up whatever is lacking for me. When I am tired and overwhelmed, He can "make all grace abound" to me so that I will "have an abundance for every good deed" (2 Corinthians 9:8).
Whatever may be ahead for you today, take time to consider the example and help offered by Jesus and allow Him to make a difference.
Submitted by:
Kelly Lewis
Grace Point Community Church
Lewis Center, Ohio
One-Year Reading Plan:
Numbers 26:1-51
Luke 2:36-52
Psalms 60:1-12
Proverbs 11:15
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