Chasing What Matters

Read

Mark 1:34-38 “...and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was. Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: 'Everyone is looking for you!' Jesus replied, 'Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.'”

Think

“All of God's people are ordinary people who have been made extraordinary by the purpose he has given them.” Oswald Chambers

Do you ever feel like you’re running on empty, chasing every opportunity that comes your way? The projects, the volunteer roles, the side hustle, the new hobby—it’s all good, but it’s all too much. Before long, you’re stretched thin, juggling more than you can handle, and wondering why it still feels like something is missing.

In Mark 1, Jesus faced a moment that speaks directly to our overstretched lives. After performing miracle after miracle—healing the sick, casting out demons—the people couldn’t get enough of him. The entire town came searching for him, desperate for his help. But when his disciples found him and urged him to go back to the crowd, Jesus said something unexpected: “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.”

Jesus didn’t stay where he was needed most—he went where he was called. His ultimate purpose was not to meet every immediate need but to preach the gospel and point people to God. The miracles were good, but they weren’t his “why.” Jesus knew his mission, and he refused to let the demands of the moment pull him away from it.

How often do we let the urgent replace the important? We say “yes” to every opportunity because it feels meaningful, but we lose sight of our greater purpose. The truth is, when we overcommit to everything, we miss the one thing that matters most—pursuing God’s purpose and presence. It takes courage to say “no” to the good so we can say “yes” to the best. Reassess your commitments. Ask yourself: Does this bring me closer to God’s calling for my life? Does it deepen my relationship with him, or pull me further from it?

Jesus knew his “why,” and he lived with unwavering focus. He invites us to do the same. When we say “no" to distractions and “yes” to him, we don’t just fulfill our purpose—we draw closer to the Savior, the greatest “why” of all.

Apply

Look at your schedule and ask, “Is this helping me fulfill God’s purpose for my life or pulling me away?” Choose one unnecessary commitment to let go of this week.

Pray

Lord, help me to see clearly what you have called me to do. Teach me to say “no” to distractions, even good ones, so I can say “yes” to what truly matters. Align my heart with your purpose and give me the courage to pursue it wholeheartedly. Draw me closer to you as I seek to follow your will. In Jesus’ name. Amen.