The Book of Mark starts off in a high power fashion. We first read about John the Baptist. Then about Jesus being baptized and going on a forty day fast. After the fast miracles begin to happen and people are in awe at the teaching of Jesus. They said, “he taught with authority.” As I read Mark I am constantly encouraged by the works of Jesus and his desire to bring restoration to peoples lives.
In the midst of this excitement there is a small section in this first chapter that makes me sit back and ponder, “Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.” In the hype of all that was going on there was a main priority in the life of Jesus and that was seeking the Father’s will. Everything Jesus did came through the guidance of God the Father. This was the discipline of his everyday life.
How do we know this? When the disciples found Jesus he told them they were to go to the next place. The next place?! But what about the crowds? To Jesus it wasn’t about the recognition it was about obedience to do the will of his Father.
As you go throughout this day choose tomorrow to rise early and begin to seek God’s guidance. Learn to trust God as Jesus trusted Him on an everyday basis. He already has plans for your life, so choose to walk in the perfect plan of God.
Jeremiah 29:11-13
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the LORD. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.”
