"Frustrated With Interruptions?"
- Rita Larson
- Nov 24, 2023
- 4 min read
During this time of year, it is so easy to get focused on everything that we have to do to prepare for the holidays and balance the rest of our lives. Even though this is a joyous time of year, when we add in extra shopping for gifts, events with family and friends, decorating, etc. it can become overwhelming. We can easily get frustrated when interruptions come our way. As I thought about this, I was reminded of Jesus resurrecting the daughter of Jarius found in Matthew 9:18-31. This provides a powerful reminder of the importance of being flexible and open to the opportunities God puts before us to be a vessel and minister to others.
The story begins with Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue, who falls at Jesus’ feet and pleads with Him to heal his daughter who is near death. Jesus agrees and sets off to help the little girl but is interrupted by a woman who had been suffering from an issue of bleeding for twelve years. Matthew 9:22 details Jesus' response, "But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour." After healing her, Jesus continued on to Jarius' house. Despite the interruption, Jesus did not become frustrated but rather saw this as an opportunity to minister to another of God’s children.
This story provides a powerful lesson for us today. We often become so focused on the important tasks or people before us that we can become frustrated with any interruptions. But Jesus reminds us that we should always be open to the opportunities God puts before us to serve and minister to others. Despite the interruption, Jesus was still able to accomplish what He had set out to do.
Once Jesus arrived at Jarius' house, where his daughter had died and several had gathered and began to mourn, Jesus said to those gathered (Matthew 9:24) "Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth." Everyone around laughed and scorned Him, but sure enough, we see in Matthew 9:25, "He went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose." Jarius' daughter was resurrected, raised from the dead and back to life!
We need to keep in mind the importance of being open and flexible to the opportunities God puts before us. 2 Corinthians 4:7, it states “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” We are all just vessels of God’s power and it is through us that He is able to do great things. We should be open to the opportunities God puts before us to be a vessel and minister to others.
We see this emphasized again in James 1:22, where the Bible tells us “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” This is a great reminder that we should not only hear the words of God, but we should also act on them. We should not be afraid of the opportunities God puts before us, but we should embrace them and use them to minister to others. We are all called to serve others and be a light in the darkness.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I come before you humbled with a heart full of gratitude. I pray that you open my eyes and my heart making me keenly aware of your leading by the Holy Spirit. Give me the wisdom and discernment to recognize when an interruption is actually an opportunity from you. Help me to see beyond my own plans and tasks and to be open to your divine appointments. I don't want to be so focused on my own agenda that I miss the mark and overlook the opportunities you place before me.
Lord, I know that we are all called to serve others and be a light in the darkness. Use me as a vessel to minister to those in need. Help me to be sensitive to your leading and to have a heart of compassion for those around me. I want to be your hands and feet in this world, bringing hope and love to those who are hurting.
Father, I pray that you will make me flexible and open to the opportunities you put before me. Sometimes it can be easy to become set in our own ways and routines, but I want to be willing to step out of my comfort zone for your sake. Break down any pride or selfishness within me that hinders me from being a vessel of your grace and love. Thank you, Lord, for the privilege of being used by you. Bring to my remembrance that interruptions can be divine appointments and opportunities for me to serve others. In Jesus' Name, Amen. ©Rita Larson 11/24/2023
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