One time I was trying to write a radio program when the phone kept ringing. After about the third disturbance, I began to get a little irritated. No, I didn’t throw a fit or anything, but I did lean back in my chair, look away from my computer screen, and wonder what it would be like to have no distractions.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to do something without anyone bothering you or slowing you down? After all, I was doing the radio program for God, right?
Just a few minutes later, I was reading in the Book of Luke where Jesus ran into the same situation. Then, I realized my mistake. I needed to deal with things the way Jesus did. Here’s what He did.
In Luke chapter 8, Jesus was approached by a ruler of the synagogue named Jairus. Jairus fell down in front of Jesus and begged Him to go to his house and heal his daughter. His daughter was 12 years old and according to Jairus, his daughter was about to die.
Whenever Jesus was asked for healing, He always agreed, and this time was no different. The Bible tells us in verse 42 that Jesus headed toward the house of Jairus.
As He traveled, the crowds pressed in. Jesus was surrounded with people and out of the crowd a woman reached out and touched the hem of His garment. When she did this, she was immediately healed and Jesus said, “Who touched me?”
Peter was amazed that Jesus would ask who touched Him because there were people pressing in from all directions. So he asked Jesus, “What do you mean, who touched you?”
Jesus said, “Somebody touched me, for I perceived power going out from me.” Then He turned to the woman who touched Him and said, “Daughter, be of good cheer, your faith has made you well. Go in peace.”
While He was still talking to her, someone came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house and said. “Don’t bother the teacher. He doesn’t need to come. Your daughter is dead.”
When Jesus heard these words, He said, “Do not be afraid; only believe and she will be made well.” Then he continued on to the house of the ruler.
When He got there, He spoke positive words of faith. He said, “Do not weep; she is not dead, but sleeping.” When He said this, they ridiculed Him. They thought He was crazy. They said the girl is dead. Of course, Jesus walked by faith and not by sight so He was not moved by the way things looked.
Then He put all the doubters and unbelievers outside and went inside alone. He took the girl by the hand and said, “Little girl arise.” She got up immediately and Jesus asked her parents to feed her. Needless to say, everyone was astonished.
Now the point is this. When Jesus was traveling to the ruler’s house, He didn’t consider the things happening to Him along the way as distractions. He considered them opportunities to minister. The woman who was healed along the way was worth the time to Jesus.
We need to be like Jesus. When we have a project, even a project that we feel God is calling us to do, and something slows us down, we need to be led by the Holy Spirit. Every distraction may not be Satan. It may be an opportunity to minister.
All rights reserved. Used by permission.
Dr. Larry Ollison is founder and Senior Pastor of Walk on the Water Faith Church and founder of Larry Ollison Ministries. With over forty years in the ministry, he is a very popular speaker nationally and internationally and ministers the Word of Faith through radio, television, Internet, and daily e-mail devotionals. As the author of twelve books (including The Power of Grace, The Practical Handbook for Christian Living, Breaking the Cycle of Offense, Life is in the Blood, and recently released The Paradise of God), he is in frequent demand for radio/TV interviews, book signings, and magazine publications.
Dr. Ollison was raised a Southern Baptist. While majoring in theology at Southwest Baptist University, he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. For many years he traveled extensively speaking at Full Gospel Business Men's meetings and conventions. He later earned an M.A. in Theology and a Ph.D. and Th.D. from Life Christian University.
Currently President of International Convention of Faith Ministries (ICFM), Dr. Ollison is also Vice-President of Spirit FM Christian Radio Network, Missouri State Director of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), and a Trustee on the boards of several international ministries. He is also the host of The Cutting Edge Radio Broadcast and authors The Cutting Edge Daily Devotional.
As the owner of a marine dealership, his extensive business background brings a unique flavor to his teaching. He founded and served as chairman of the Missouri State Marine Board, President of the Marine Dealers’ Association, Vice-President of a bank holding company, along with holding several directorships in various corporations.
Dr. Ollison's strongest areas of teaching are the blood of Jesus, faith, relationships, the Hebrew language, the Holy Spirit, the end times, and heaven. During ministry, he operates freely in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. His use of humor and his ability to make a theological concept simple makes it enjoyable and easy for everyone to understand. Countless testimonies have been received from people who say their lives have been changed after experiencing Dr. Ollison's unique ministry.
Dr. Ollison is a pastor, pilot, teacher, and author. His number one goal is to meet the needs of the people through the teaching of faith in God's Word. He and his wife, Loretta, have two children and six grandchildren.