Title: Stay Alone, Sometimes
Memorize: And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. Matthew 14:23 (Nkjv)
Bible Reading: Genesis 32:23-30
[23] He took them, sent them over the brook, and sent over what he had.
[24] Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day.
[25] Now when He saw that He did not prevail against him, He touched the socket of his hip; and the socket of Jacob’s hip was out of joint as He wrestled with him.
[26] And He said, “Let Me go, for the day breaks.” But he said, “I will not let You go unless You bless me!”
[27] So He said to him, “What is your name?” He said, “Jacob.”
[28] And He said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.”
[29] Then Jacob asked, saying, “Tell me Your name, I pray.” And He said, “Why is it that you ask about My name?” And He blessed him there.
[30] So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: “For I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.”
Message:
Being able to stay alone sometimes is a strength in itself. I once taught some people at the School of Disciples program about eagles, which usually fly alone. They usually have their nests in high mountains that many other birds cannot ascend to. The eagle is a bird that is in a class of its own, and it does not struggle with other birds.
A person who wants to be distinct in all aspects of his or her life must learn to be alone sometimes. This way, he or she can think of, meditate on, and journal some of the ideas that come to his or her heart. Jesus Christ did this often while He was on earth; He would leave His disciples and go to a separate place to pray. No wonder He performed signs and wonders wherever He went.
My dear child, for you to be distinct amongst your peers, you must know when to separate yourself from the crowd. You must learn how to shun distractions and stay alone so you can understand the things you are learning better, develop your ideas, and hear from God more clearly.
Key Point:
You must learn how to stay alone sometimes and avoid distractions.
HYMN 4: BE GLAD IN THE LORD AND REJOICE
1 Be glad in the Lord and rejoice,
All ye that are upright in heart;
And ye that have made him your choice,
Bid sadness and sorrow depart.
Refrain:
Rejoice, rejoice!
Be glad in the Lord and rejoice!
2 Be joyful, for He is the Lord,
On earth and in heaven supreme;
He fashions and rules by His word;
The Mighty and strong to redeem
3 What though in the conffict for right
Your enemies almost prevail,
God’s armies, just hid from your sight,
Are more than the foes which assail.
4 Though darkness surround you by day,
Your sky by the night be o’ercast,
Let nothing your spirit dismay,
But trust till the danger is past.
5 Be glad in the Lord and rejoice,
His praises proclaiming in song;
With harp, and with organ and voice
The loud hallelujahs prolong!
Bible In One Year: Esther 8:1-10:3 1 Corinthians 12:27-13:13
Authors: Pastor E. A. Adeboye and Pastor Folu Adeboye