BOLD Ministry

Withdrawing Moved Him Forward
1. Processed Persecution: Jesus withdrew in Mark 3:7 After healing a man’s hand, and offending the Pharisees sense of righteousness. He withdrew rather than confront. His withdrawal created room for the Holy Spirit to work. Jesus allowed room for the Holy Spirit in his relationships, even those that were adversarial. Resistance is one of God’s favorite ways to keep us free from man’s approval.

2. Processed the Pain. Jesus withdrew a second time when he heard about the execution of John the Baptist. Jesus allowed time to process those things that are upsetting. He processes, he didn’t camp out and get stuck in the evil that took place. Pain does have a place in life, but what it should never have is lordship.

3. Processed Triumph and thus Avoided Defeat. Victory Jesus withdrew a third time after there was a great miracle, of feeding the 5.000. He didn’t want to camp out on a great victory, but rather kept the disciples moving forward. If you don’t process your victory, you will either become prideful or never move beyond to greater potential. Never stop or be satisfied with success.

4. Provided a Place for the Presence. Jesus withdrew to allow the disciples the opportunity for God to reveal Jesus to them. Revelation often comes when the competing activities stop and we create space for God. Always expect and make room for the glory of God. Make room for the glory.

5. Provided a Place to Receive Power. Jesus withdrew when he was about to face the most difficult test: the cross. Spiritual strength requires that we fill up. Imagine going on a trip to Florida but neglecting to fill up the gas tank? What we are called to do is impossible. But that’s the point, God is attracted to the impossible; He was attracted to you wasn’t He? If God is not driving, move over. Remember that weakness is simply a vacuum waiting to be filled by God.