Well, as my church family already knows, I am about to embark on a "break" from pastoral ministry for a month. This is a first for me in thirteen years of ministry. I've taken some vacations along the way (though probably not as many as I should), but never a complete "break" from preaching and pastoring. Yet, I am convinced--by Scripture--that this is a good thing (not to mention that my soul is telling me I need this desperately).
I don't know if you have ever noticed this or not--but Jesus spent a lot of time withdrawing from people and ministry. Check out these Scriptures: Matthew 4:12; Matthew 12:15; Matthew 14:13; Matthew 15:21; Mark 3:7; Luke 9:10; John 6:15. I think He knew how important it was to take some time to re-fuel, to re-connect with His Father in heaven, and to refresh Himself from the challenges and burdens of ministry. What's more, I think He knew that the power and direction for His life would come from prayer and solitude.
I have to admit that requesting a month away from ministry was humbling--but in the end, that's what God wants us to be: humble (1 Peter 5:6). I know I need to take some time to re-calibrate, rest, and be refreshed in the presence of the Lord (Acts 3:19).
As a consequence of this break, I will not be blogging, e-mailing, surfing the web, etc. So... this will be my last blog for a bit. May I humbly request that you be in prayer for me as the Lord reminds you to do so. Pray that His will be done during this break, that I find rest at the feet of Christ (Matthew 11:28-30), and that I will be better prepared to return to ministry in a month. And lest I forget to say it later: thanks for praying!
And finally, for your benefit, let me ask you a question. When was the last time you "went away and withdrew" in order to be refreshed by the Lord? It's not just a principle pastors need to apply, you know--this is something you need to ponder too. I think Jesus was modeling something important for all of us. We need time away from our normal routines... we need time alone... we need silence to think and meditate well... we need a time away to pray and seek the Lord... we need some time away to hear that still, small voice... we need to turn off the TV, turn off the radio, step away from our cell phones and computers, stop texting, blogging, surfing, etc. We need to be still and know that we are NOT God (Psalm 46:10a). So, I hope in some small way my taking this break will encourage you to do the same... even if you can't leave your job for 30 days like I am (maybe you can plan a long weekend, use a week of vacation for spiritual renewal, go to a conference on the Bible, etc.).
Follow Jesus' example: withdraw and be alone with the Father, and find rest for your souls.
