So Jesus healed many people who were sick with various diseases, and he cast out many demons.
Mark 1:33
Precious Jesus,
As we live in your strength through your Spirit,
may we learn to follow your lead in knowing when to say “enough.”
Not too long ago,
I heard some wise words
on saying no to the demands of our world.*
Vanessa Hawkins, the speaker,
pointed out that though people brought “all” who were sick,
and the “whole” city was gathered,
you chose to heal “many,” not all (Mark 1:32-33).
We don’t know your ways,
but we know you have the wisdom of limits,
something we would do well to learn.
So often we strive
to do it all,
to have it all,
to be all things
to all people.
But you healed “many,”
and then, as Vanessa pointed out,
you went to sleep.
The next morning
you got up, “rose,” very early,
to go out and pray (Mark 1:35).
Tomorrow we’ll consider how you found rest in prayer,
as you heard your Father
speak words of delight and purpose over you.
For today, we ask that you would send your Spirit
to show us places
where we may be trying to live beyond
the very human limits
you yourself submitted to.
In your limit-giving name. Amen.
Read Mark 1: 21-39.
Elizabeth Reynolds Turnage is the author of Preparing for Glory: Biblical Answers to 40 Questions on Living and Dying in Hope of Heaven.
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