Motherhood & Ministry

To the Wilderness with God

Moms everywhere experience the feeling that there is never an opportunity for solitude, down time, or quiet. Especially being a mom in vocational ministry – not only do the needs of caring for a busy family never stop, but the needs of an active and effective ministry never stop either! 

Thankfully, we can look to the life and ministry of Jesus. His ministry, time, and availability were in demand beyond what we could ever imagine, and through His example we can gain guidance for our own lives. 

In Mark 6, we see Jesus commissioning the 12 disciples to do ministry. They preached a message of repentance, drove out demons, and healed sick people. They sound pretty busy! 

In Mark 6:30 we see them gather back to Jesus to report all they had done and taught. Jesus identified their need for rest and invited them to retreat to the wilderness. Verse 31 specifies that they were so busy, there was not even time to eat!? (Can I get an Amen for all the leaders who have thrown down a handful of goldfish and called it a meal on busy days!?)

Jesus and the disciples traveled by boat to a remote place, but the crowds saw them and ran ahead to meet them at the shore. Mark 6:34 says, “When he [Jesus] went ashore, he saw a large crowd and had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. Then he began to teach them many things.” How often have I set aside time to spend in Bible study, prayer, reflection, and solitude, only to have those plans magnificently interrupted?

I get up at the crack of dawn to read my Bible, only to be joined by a toddler who is *also* up at the crack of dawn. I decide to spend a lunch break walking and praying on a beautiful day, only to have a time-sensitive need pop up, and then work through lunch instead. I plan to attend a retreat or conference, only to have my plans derailed by a sick child or an unforeseen change.

The disciples did not get their anticipated rest and solitude in the wilderness – but they did get a boat ride alone with Jesus. Sometimes our best laid plans for rest and solitude are derailed, and the “time in the boat” is the only time we get with Jesus that day.

Making the most of my “time in the boat” could look like continuing my quiet time, with a toddler on my lap. It could look like my shower, commute, or wait in the school pick up line becoming a time of intentional and focused prayer. It could look like finding a quiet place to pray in solitude for just 5 minutes out of a busy work day. 

Sometimes we make it to the wilderness only to be met with more pressing needs. Let us not stop seeking alone time with the Lord, but may we also make good use of our time in the boat.

Motherhood & Ministry is a weekly post on Monday mornings to encourage moms who serve in vocational ministry while also serving their families.