When Everyone Is Looking for You

Do you ever feel by the end of most days that everyone is looking for you? Maybe you even feel like this when your day is just beginning! Your husband, children, boss, parents, women’s committee, and prayer chain at church are all clamoring for a piece of you.

Well, in a small way, you are getting an idea of how Jesus may have felt on one particular day that is described in Mark 1:29-39. Here’s how Jesus’ day went after teaching in the synagogue and dealing with demons. Notice that however physically tired or drained He already was, His heart was with the people looking for Him. He was available to keep right on reaching out to them, one after another.

• He reached out and healed Peter’s mother-in-law in the house (verse 31).
• He reached out and healed all who were waiting outside the house (verse 32).
• He reached out to the rest of the city as word spread that He was available to help them (verses 33-34).
• He reached out to all Galilee after being directed through prayer to be available to those in other towns in the area (verses 35-39).

How do you decide who gets—and truly needs—your attention and care when everyone is looking for you? It’s right and it’s Christlike to be available, but you can’t go every place or minister to every need. Make sure you get clear direction for each new day. Start by praying. Like Jesus, check in with the Father for His lead. Then begin at home by being available to your family first.

Find encouragement in Elizabeth’s new devotional, One Minute with the Women of the Bible!

Read When Everyone Is Looking for You on Elizabeth & Jim George.