…Why?
Despite Jesus’ plea that his miracles be kept confidential, the news about him spread all over the land. Crowds flocked to hear from him, and many came to be healed from their diseases. Luke 5:15-16 tells us that Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. Things changed when Jesus came on the scene. Everywhere Jesus went, the power of the Lord was revealed which attracted people to him. People were constantly fighting for his attention, seizing him and mesmerized by him. We see this account in the story of the woman with the issue of blood. The woman came behind Jesus and touched his cloak. Despite the multitude of people clutching at him, Jesus knew this woman had specifically touched him as power had gone out from him. Jesus was fully aware of where his power and strength came from. Time alone with the father in prayer allowed him to be replenished, renewed, and refreshed.
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. While Jesus lived his life in such a miraculous way through preaching, teaching, and casting out demons, this type of awe brought about many attacks on him. Jesus was often criticized and ridiculed. People were unkind to him as he was spit on and mocked. Jesus faced false accusations of healing on the sabbath and not washing his hands before a meal. Jesus was often interrogated, he was told he was not the Son of God and the list goes on and on. Nevertheless, Jesus knew how to get away from the noise. While Jesus was privy to what others thought and said about him, time alone with the father always affirmed his father’s thoughts about him. Mathew 3:17 reads, “And a voice from heaven said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Jesus was reminded in his time alone with the father that he was the chosen one and that he and the father are one. It was in these times of solitude that Jesus was able to stay grounded and balanced even in the face of adversity.
Jesus is the ultimate example of how we should pattern our lives. The bible tells us Jesus was in-human-form yet, was without sin. Jesus was tempted just like you and I today, yet Jesus did not allow the temptation to overtake him. Jesus knew how to take his cares to the father. He knew how to cry out. Today we live in a fast-paced world, we have family members we want to see saved, we have compacted schedules, juggling work and family, and all the other demands that can come upon us in one day. Many of us have had seasons of hardship and are enduring the effects of a global pandemic and the changes it has brought.
Considering our individual experiences, Jesus has left us a blueprint that we can’t ignore. If Jesus intentionally prioritized time with the father, why would we be any different? This uninterrupted time gives us instructions on how to go about our day. This time alone helps us make good decisions. It helps us walk in the spirit and provides us with wisdom on how to represent Christ well, here on the earth. This time alone helps us to see the attacks of the enemy and how to respond proactively. When we prioritize time alone with God, we begin to think like him, we begin to respond to the needs of others in the way that Christ would.
Let us embrace this sweet time of surrender, this sweet time of reverence and reflection. This sweet time of communion and peace. As we prioritize this time and grow in this discipline; we will affect generations to come. We can rest assured that we will not leave God’s presence remaining the same. The residue from being with him makes all the difference in the world, in our workplace, with our finances, in the lives of our children, and in our marriages; every place that our feet tread.
Kristin C. Jennings was born on January 1, 1979 in Fort Washington, MD to James and Pamela Woods, Sr. Kristin is the sixth child out of seven children and completed her early education in Prince George’s County Public School System. In December 2002, Kristin graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park with an undergraduate degree in Sociology. In May of 2016, Kristin graduated from Howard University with a Masters Degree in Social Work.
Kristin is currently working at First Home Care as a Community Support Specialist who offers supportive services to families whose children have been removed due to neglect and/or abuse, which ranges from physical, sexual, verbal or emotional. Kristin supports children in foster care to help them transition into their new home with as little trauma as possible. Kristin’s mission is to pass the Licensure State Board Exam to become a Psychotherapist and has a long-term goal of opening her own private practice that specializes in Marriage and Family Therapy.
On October 18, 2004, Kristin married the love of her life, Johnathan L. Jennings, Sr. Kristin and John have been married for 11 years and have four beautiful children, Isaiah Jennings (17), Johnathan L. Jennings, Jr aka Chizz (11), Joshua J. Jennings (9) and Ivori K. Jennings (6). Kristin’s desire is to always serve her family as her first ministry. Kristin is currently the servant leader over the Women’s Ministry at High Calling Ministries where she has been a member since 2008.
Kristin has a passion for helping others uncover old thoughts, emotions and patterns that prevent them from moving into the areas where God is calling them. Kristin’s desire is to help people see their full potential and begin to view themselves through God’s eyes. Kristin’s desire is to help people know more about Christ, which will in turn help them learn more about themselves and the gifts and talents God has placed in them.
