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"Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28, New Living Translation)
- a Daily Departure
- a Weekly Withdrawal
- a Seasonal Escape
"The Sabbath is the Lord's gift to you. That is why he gives you a two-day supply on the sixth day, so there will be enough for two days." (Exodus 16:29, NLT)
"Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer." (Luke 5:16, NLT)
WHEN DO I NEED TO TAKE A SEASONAL ESCAPE?
"Then Jesus said, "Let's go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile." He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn't even have time to eat." (Mark 6:31, NLT)
- When life gets too busy.
- After times of great victory."So the disciples went out, telling everyone they met to repent of their sins and turn to God. And they cast out many demons and healed many sick people, anointing them with olive oil." (Mark 6:12–13, NLT)"The apostles returned to Jesus from their ministry tour and told him all they had done and taught." (Mark 6:30, NLT)"Let's go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile." (Mark 6:31, NLT)
- After times of great sorrow.Death of John the Baptist (see Mark 6:14–29)"As soon as Jesus heard the news, he left in a boat to a remote area to be alone." (Matthew 14:13, NLT)
HOW DO I TAKE A SEASONAL ESCAPE?
- Plan a distraction-free getaway."So they left by boat for a quiet place, where they could be alone." (Mark 6:32, NLT)
- Deal with interruptions with compassion."But many people recognized them and saw them leaving, and people from many towns ran ahead along the shore and got there ahead of them. Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things." (Mark 6:33–34, NLT)Feeding the 5000 (see Mark 6:35–44)
- Don't let interruptions keep you from returning to your escape!"Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and head across the lake to Bethsaida, while he sent the people home. After telling everyone good-bye, he went up into the hills by himself to pray." (Mark 6:45–46, NLT)
When could I escape? ______________________________Where could I go? _____________________________How will I eliminate distractions? ______________________________What do I need to hear from God about? _____________________________