When we’re involved in God’s calling, there’s a balance we need to maintain between the times we experience alone with Him, and actually going out and doing what He’s tasked us with. The power we need to succeed in our God-given assignments comes from the time we spend with God, not with people. But we can’t fulfil our assignments if we don’t take action. First, Jesus called His disciples to Him; then, He sent them out from Him. One day He took three of His disciples to the top of the Mount of Transfiguration. ‘His face shone like the sun…there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus’ (Matthew 17:2-3 NIV). Peter was elated by the experience: ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters’ (v.4 NIV). Peter wanted to stay, but God spoke from heaven and said, ‘This is My beloved Son…Listen to Him!’ (Matthew 17:5 AMP). Afterwards, Jesus took His disciples back down the mountain and they began to minister to people in need. It’s good to have occasional ‘mountaintop experiences’ with God, but we can’t stay there. There’s lots of work to be done at the foot of the mountain, and we’ve been called to do it. There must be a balance between taking in and giving out. One day a year, the high priest entered the holiest of holies and had the privilege of seeing God’s glory. It was such an honour! But the rest of the year was spent outside, ministering to the people. It’s important to spend time alone with God, drawing on His strength and being refreshed. But there comes a time when He says to us, ‘Go out and do the work I’ve given you.’ So let’s be open to both experiences!

What Now?

Think about the past week, and whether you spent more time alone with God, or working on the task He’s given you. This week, make a conscious effort to focus on the other thing – if you spent a lot of time working, try to spend time being refreshed by Him, and vice versa.