I’m

kind of an introvert by nature, so my friends know that I like to

spend time alone. Don’t get me wrong—I like spending time with

people too. But there is something about being alone that energizes

me. My drive to church is about 25 minutes, and that’s an important

part of my day. Along the way I can spend time alone preparing for my

workday ahead, and on the way home I can spend time preparing to be a

dad and husband.

Jesus

often spent time alone. At the very start of his ministry, he spent

40 days alone in the wilderness, being tempted by Satan. What did he

do in all that time? He no doubt spent a lot of it praying, fasting,

and being energized for his mission by his Father in heaven. This was

a vitally important time for Jesus’ preparation to do the work he

had come to do.

Likewise,

we need time alone with God. When we are alone with God, spending

time talking to him and listening for direction through his Word, we

are being prepared for our mission here on earth. Our faith is formed

as we seek God’s guidance and wisdom. But in the busyness of life

often the first thing we skip is time with God. Schedules get in the

way, and time passes. We’d like to spend more time with God, but we

can’t seem to fit it in.

Here

is your challenge for today: find some time to be alone with God as

he prepares you for his mission in your life.