Your Daily Devotional for December 14, 2006

 

December 14, 2006

 

 

Interruptions

by Dr. Paul Chappell

 

 

“Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.”

 

 

Romans 15:5-7

 

Have you ever spoken with someone on the telephone who seemed to be in a hurry and wanted to get on with more important business? Or have you visited with someone and received that same hurried feeling? You've undoubtedly experienced it, and I’m sure you didn't enjoy it. And, perhaps, you have also been guilty of this.

We have time for inanimate things such as pieces of mail, vast sprawling shopping centers, and the television program which starts at 7:30. But what about relationships with people? Isn't that a great deal of what life is all about—loving other people? Do you think that Jesus raced about, hurrying from one city to another, collecting great crowds on the way to give them a few minutes of Himself, then dashing on to the next place?

No, that is not the picture of Jesus the New Testament gives. He had time for people. In a crowd, a woman touched his robe. Lots of people were probably pushing against him, touching his robe, but he discerned the urgency in this particular touch. He stopped, taking valuable time for this "interruption." His disciples were ready to go and wanted to get things done, not always taking time to spend with people in need. Yet, Christ saw the need and took the time to help these people.

The next time a person "interrupts" you, don’t think of how busy you are; rather, think of that person's needs, of his covert compliment in desiring to spend a few moments with you. Your meeting may be a significant point in both of your lives, because it is an encounter with another person God has created. God may use you to impart something crucial to their fulfillment!

These so-called “interruptions” may be divine appointments from God. God sometimes brings people along our paths at certain times for us to help them. We do not know what that person is going through but God knows. He knows what their needs are, and He may bring them into our lives so He can use us to help meet those needs. Maybe they need salvation or maybe they need someone to share in their trial. Whatever the need, we are sent by God to fulfill His will.

We can sometimes become so locked into our schedules that we miss the people that God brings our way. As we go through this Christmas season, don’t let your time be so tied up that you cannot make time for someone in need when they come to you. Decide to help others who come your way today.

 

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