INTERRUPTIONS

“And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him. And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse, When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment.” - Mark 5:24-27

Interruptions can be annoying at times. Interruptions have a way of interfering with our plans. When we have highly structured schedules, an interruption can be very frustrating. Interruptions can come in a variety of ways. Unexpected automotive problems, a knock on the door, a medical emergency, a phone call at the worst possible time --- these are among the interruptions that often come along.

Have you ever considered interruptions to be a blessing? The fact is that interruptions often turn out to be divine appointments that we are unaware of. God's opportunities often come in the form of interruptions.

Think about the life of Jesus. His ministry was often filled with interruptions. In Mark chapter 5, Jesus was on His way to perform one miracle when a woman, with an issue of blood, touched the hem of His garment. In another situation, Jesus was teaching in a house when the message was interrupted as men tore open the roof and let down a man on a mat, believing that Jesus would heal him. Interruptions were ministry moments for Jesus.

I have to admit that I used to see interruptions as a frustrating aspect of my day. Recently, I've changed my mind. You see, our frustrations with interruptions often reveal how consumed we are with our plans ... and totally oblivious to God's plans. It isn't important that my goals are accomplished. It is important that God's will is done.

Interruptions are meant to divert our attention from our selfish ambition and focus on the people around us who are hurting and in need. It is possible to be so consumed with myself that I fail to see the tremendous needs of those God has placed near me.

It is impossible to live a life of ease and comfort if you are serious about God using you. Ministry is never done according to my pre-planned schedule.

The next time an interruption occurs, we need to pause and think. This may be a God-ordained moment. A display of kindness, a word of encouragement, a moment to stop and pray for a person --- these seemingly small things may be used of the Lord in a great way.

Sometimes the greatest blessings of life don't come in a church service. They often come during the daily grind of life when we stop and help others in Jesus' Name.

The Lord interrupts our lives so that He may use us to bless others.