Counselor’s Corner Issue 25

Perseverers,

The third year of Jesus' ministry is sometimes called His "Year of Opposition." He was targeted by community leaders in attempts to challenge His authority. He battled antagonistic throngs hoping to catch Him in a trap. Yet, Jesus continued to perform miracles despite these attacks.

It was in this dynamic that we see Jesus' ministry specifically geared toward children. There, on the hillside, Jesus uses the boy's lunch to feed 5,000. What a powerful gift to that kiddo, knowing that he contributed to his Savior's miracle! He could forever look back at that moment and see that he was an instrument of God!

And it was in Jesus' "Year of Opposition" that He does my most favorite act. He pulls away. Following the Feeding of the 5,000, after he enabled God to work through a small child, Mark 6:45 tells us that Jesus retreats. "Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray." Here we see him leaving the naysayers and the demands of those within His care and getting away. Jesus took time out of his ministry for a spiritual retreat of renewal.

And so should we. In what we can easily call our "Year of Opposition," Covid-19 mandates that we be intentional to pull away. Whether battling criticism and conflict or the demands of enabling God to work through small children, we must retreat. Taking time out of our ministry for spiritual renewal will allow us to persevere in this, our "Year of Opposition." So leave the crowds, take a time out, and retreat to a quiet place for prayer and restoration.

Warmly,
Mindy