Bible Verses About Marriage
God’s Purpose for Every Woman
While he was saying this, a ruler came and knelt before him and said, “My daughter has just died. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live.” Jesus got up and went with him, and so did his disciples. — Matthew 9:18-19
“I know how busy you are, and I’m so sorry to bother you,” began my friend. Her request was simple, and I was glad she asked. But afterward I was pierced by her apology for “bothering” me.
Her comment haunted me. Why did she feel bad about asking for my help? Obviously I must give off the impression that I’m too busy to be bothered. As I pondered this idea, God brought my own words to mind. Sadly, I realized that for many years my standard answer to “How are you?” was “I’m busy.”
This caused me to not only evaluate my words, but also my body language and schedule. Did my words and lifestyle welcome the interruption of a friend in need or put up a stop sign? I wondered how many opportunities to help a friend had been missed by my hectic life and don’t-bother-me approach to interruptions. While I’d been checking items off my to-do list, had I missed something on God’s to-do list?
Jesus had a different approach to interruptions — He welcomed them. In Matthew 9 we read that Jesus was teaching both His and John’s disciples. In the middle of the lesson, a synagogue ruler interrupted Jesus and asked Him to come help his sick daughter. The Scripture records that Jesus got up and went with the man. Jesus didn’t ask him to come back later or sigh and reluctantly rise. The text implies Jesus rose immediately and responded to the request.
People must have known Jesus was approachable because this is one of many instances where people interrupted Him. Jesus must have welcomed hurting, scared, and lonely people to come to Him. As Jesus responded with grace to the interruptions in His schedule, God worked miracles, and this time was no exception. But on this day, God worked two miracles.
Before Jesus could get to the sick little girl, a second interruption occurred. As Jesus walked through the crowded street, a woman touched His cloak. This woman, who had bled for 12 years, was instantly healed. Jesus felt power leave Him, and He stopped walking long enough to speak with the woman. After this interaction, Jesus continued to the ruler’s house, where He raised the man’s daughter from the dead.
Two interruptions, two loving responses by Jesus, and two miracles. Imagine if Jesus had been too busy, or if this man or woman had been afraid to bother Him. Imagine the ministry God might want to work through us when we welcome interruptions.
I’m learning from Jesus to slow down, choose welcoming words, and consciously eliminate rushing from my life. Jesus modeled a life submitted to God’s plan—including the interruptions. My prayer is that God will work through me in the ministry of interruptions.
Dear Lord, I praise You for Your compassion and patience with me. I know I can always come to You when I’m in need. Help me to be more aware of the needs of those around me. I want to be more like Jesus and allow You to work through me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Application Steps
Identify one person who needs more of your time. Commit to changing your words and opening up your schedule to be more available to that person.
Copyright © Lysa TerKeurst and Rachel Olsen, published by Harvest House Publishers. Used with Permission.
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