John Stanko

TOPIC: Time and Solitude

"I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. On the Lord’s Day I was in the Spirit, . . ." - Revelation 1:9-10a.

John was in exile when he received the revelation from Jesus. Patmos is a beautiful but remote island in the Aegean Sea, and John was there, far removed from all church business and distractions. It was there and then that Jesus broke into his world to impart His insight. Sometimes, you have to create a long break, not just an hour or a day, to do nothing in order for your heart and spirit to quiet themselves and receive the Lord's insight and word. When is the last time you made time for any down time? How long was it? Why don't you do it again? Are you addicted to activity, so much so that you can't break away without feeling empty and guilty?

Lord, I regularly say I want or need to hear from You, but then provide only a small window of opportunity for You to speak before I am off and running. Help me to make time to hear from You, which means I need a day or a weekend or perhaps even a week or longer to focus on You, Your word, and Your will for my life.