Recharge

35 In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. 36 And Simon and his companions hunted for him. 37 When they found him, they said to him, "Everyone is searching for you." 38 He answered, "Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do." 39 And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons. (Mark 1:35-37)

After the healing at the synagogue, Jesus and his - at this point, four - disciples went to the home of Simon and Andrew. Upon arrival, Jesus was told that Simon's mother-in-law was ill with a fever. Jesus took her by the hand, and she was restored to health. That evening, people from throughout the city were brought to Jesus to be healed. The text says that many - not all - were healed. The next morning, before the deluge of responsibilities could threaten to deplete him, Jesus found a secluded place to

spend time with God.

Although cell phone chargers get faster every year, we generally don't think twice about plugging in our phones for hours at a time when necessary. We don't have any trouble understanding that the phone will charge faster and more completely if we don't use it while it's charging. But when it comes to ourselves, we tend to think of solitude and rest as negatives that are equivalent with loneliness and laziness, and that busyness equals productivity. Jesus knew that regularly seeking time alone to speak to and hear from God enabled him to stay connected to his purpose, and was the only way he would be strengthened to fulfill his calling. When we regularly make time to personally connect with the Source of our power, our recharged hearts, minds, and souls will be

energized for the work we are called to do.

28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. 29 He gives power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless. 30 Even youths will faint and be weary, and the young will fall exhausted; 31 but those who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:28-31)