How to Handle the Pressure of People’s Needs

Everywhere Jesus went, He was surrounded by people's needs. Here's how Jesus handled the pressure of their needs, and set a clear example for us. #Biblestudy #Mark #WomensBibleStudy #GoodMorningGirls

Pressure.

As we examine the life of Christ in Mark 1-3, I am amazed at the pressure that surrounded Jesus.  He had pressure in the wilderness from Satan’s temptations.  He had pressure from the news of the arrest of John the Baptist.  He had pressure from the crowds that pressed in on Him as they sought healing from illnesses and healing from demonic oppressions.

Jesus traveled and preached in the synagogues and then went out and ate with sinners.  He was followed by the Pharisees who were watching his every move and making plans to destroy Him.  And the crowds continued to press in upon Him.

All of this happened in just the first 3 chapters of the book of Mark.

Pressure. Arrests. Temptations. Sickness. Oppression. and Crowds.

How did Jesus respond to the pressure of people’s needs?

Mark 1:35 tells us:

And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he (Jesus) departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.

Friends, here is the heart of Good Morning Girls!!!

Why should we get up in the morning and get alone with God?  

Because Jesus did!

Jesus – our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace and Everlasting Father – got up early in the morning and prayed.

If Jesus needed time alone with God – how much more do we?  

Jesus is our perfect example.

Are you feeling pressure?

Perhaps it’s time we set our alarms a little earlier, so we can get alone with God.

Jesus not only set aside special time for prayer – but he also shared the burden of people’s needs with others.

In Mark 1, we see Jesus calling 4 fishermen -Peter, Andrew, James and John – to follow him. Then in Mark 2, Jesus called Levi – a tax collector – to follow him and in Mark 3, Jesus appointed the 12 apostles “that they might be with him.”

Jesus was not a lone ranger.  

Jesus surrounded himself with 12 ordinary men who had different backgrounds, skill sets, strengths and weaknesses.  He did not choose the wealthiest, most famous,  prestigious and intelligent men he could find.  He chose ordinary men, who when He called them, they “immediately followed him.” (Mark 1:18, 2:14)

The immediate obedience of these men is astounding!  They dropped their nets and their careers and left everything to follow Jesus!

Do we have this kind of immediate obedience?

Are we willing to follow Jesus no matter what the cost?

Are we willing to make people’s needs a priority?

Or is there something we are holding onto, that is coming between us and following Jesus?

When we help the hurting – we are being like Jesus.
When we have compassion for the lost – we are being like Jesus.
When we visit the sick – we are being like Jesus.
When we serve others we are most like Jesus.

But how do we do it all?

We are not meant to be lone rangers.

Jesus set an example for us:  prayer and share.

Prayer:

When we pray, it reminds us we are not alone.  We release the heavy burdens we are carrying, to the Lord.  He is with us!

Share:

Share the burden of caring for people’s needs with the family of God.  We are not alone.  We are meant to serve together – many hands make light work.  We need each other.

We are not meant to be lone rangers.

The ministry of Good Morning Girls could not go on without the 4 ladies who help me lead here.  Also, many of you lead Good Morning Girls groups – you are servant leaders.  Others of you comment back to readers in the comment section here and encourage and pray for ladies.  Oh I am so grateful for you!

Your servant’s heart and love and compassion for others is needed!  God wants to use us – ordinary us – to follow Him and share His love with others.

We simply cannot meet the needs of all those who are hurting around us alone.  

Jesus didn’t.

Mark 3 tells us of how the crowds were pressing in on Jesus and He told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because the crowd was crushing Him.  Jesus had to have an escape.

Friends, if we carry the guilt of all the needs around us – we will be crushed.

Sometimes we need to escape.  I say this for all the women reading today who are pouring themselves out for the needs of others and feeling overwhelmed.  Remember – even Jesus got away and needed rest.  It is okay to rest.

On the flip side, we must remember the sacrifice of the disciples.  How they dropped their nets and immediately followed Jesus.

Following Jesus comes with a cost.  May the cost never be too high for us, as we remember the cost of our salvation – Jesus’ shed blood on the cross for you and me.

What is it that God is calling you to do today?

Don’t sit on the sidelines waiting for someone else to step up. Share in the work of the Lord.  Your time, talents, compassion and love are needed in the family of God.  We need YOU!

May we follow the example of Jesus in prayer.  Rise early and get alone with God.

May we follow the example of the disciples and share.  Surround yourself with others who want to share in the work of the Lord.

How do we handle the pressure of people’s needs?

Do not do life alone – live in communion with God and in community with the family of God.

Walk with the King,

Courtney

** To share in the daily discussion of our reading in the book of Mark – join us on Facebook or Instagram Monday through Friday. You are not alone! **

32 Comments

  1. This is my first Bible Study group, since I was younger. Its only been a couple dayd, but Im enjoying myself. Although I do enjoy the coloring portion, I feel in doubt of whether if me coloring Gods word is ok?

    1. You’re coloring it to make you stop, slow down, pay attention to what’s going on in the text. I bought a separate bible to color in. It’s also like highlighting. My other daily bible has tons of notes in pencil and I don’t highlight in it at all so I can teach from it well.

    2. Some day when your children or grandchildren look through your bible, they will know, you were a woman who studied and lived God’s word. If our bibles look like they have never been opened, what does tat say about us? I used to be afraid to write in my bible, but now I know that I need to write in my Bible, not only so they can see, but so I can see for myself. God wants you in His word, no matter how you do it.

  2. Amen. it is so true, we need to wake up every day & pour our hearts to God. the strength of the fish is in water & that of a christian is in prayer. it is also important that our prayers are not selfish i.e me, myself & I. we also need to intercede for others. may God help us to pray for other people too. be blessed

    1. You are so right about making sure our prayers are not just selfish prayers. I find that when I pray for others, it allows God to show me more about my situation that I’m going through…it brings clarity because I have taken the focus off of me and my needs and put it on the needs of someone else.

  3. I actually had to stop being a friend to someone because they started to depend on me for everything. She would call at all hours, not having prayed to God first and basicly telling me I had to give her peace. I couldn’t even get a word in edgewise. I became overwhelmed from all her demands of me.
    I think it is important to pray for others but do not let them make you responsible for things they should pray to God about.
    Thank you, for how much time you put into these studies. I love the questions and insights you have.

    1. I agree. I went through a similar situation and it drains you physically, emotionally and especially spiritually. You want to help but you cannot be responsible for the person’s every need.

  4. I just recently became more involved with scripture study, immersing myself in study groups. It is amazing! It( God’s Word) so completely sets the intention for the day. There is no greater joy, for me, than to strive to become more like Jesus.

  5. HI ladies! Is there a place on the blog that explains the ins-and-outs of the highlighting and coloring? Can I jump in to the monthly study? Would I start at the beginning of the study or jump in at the day and chapter the study is at? Hope that makes sense! This is my first study!!

    1. Welcome Teri –

      There is a youtube that explains the highlighting here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugLUHdPpUMg You can find more pictures of my highlighting on my instagram page at http://www.instagram.com/womenlivingwell and also check out the hashtag #GoodMorningGirls to see lots of other women’s highlighting as well. There is no right or wrong way to do it. Some verses could be multiple colors – so all of our highlighting will look a little different.

      As far as jumping in – yes – jump on in right where we are. The best part about GMG is the daily accountability here and on my facebook page and instagram. When you feel discouraged – we are here to cheer you on!

      So glad you are here!
      Courtney 🙂

  6. Wow…this is exactly what I needed this morning! As I’m going deeper into God’s Word and in prayer…I am feeling pressure. However, I know that God’s Word will comfort me as I go through this process. Thank you for sharing your insight!

  7. In maintaining our vital connection with God first and foremost,He helps us to keep our PRIORITIES straight.
    Husband, children, home, the world beyound. And certainly taking care of ourselves in the midst of it all☺

  8. Anen! Courtney, I just continue to love following you I so enjoy the way you set up each study and am learning a lot, thank you. You and your teams insights help put my experiences into perspective. As my kids and I say, “all God’s work, not mine, to Him be the glory” . Love the print outs and the study resouces, they are so helpful! Had a min on my bus ride to work to do daily devotion and wanted to give you a shout out of praise for all you do. Awesome teachings! Have a blessed day!

  9. There is something wonderful about rising early to spend time with God. Thanks for this reminder that Jesus also spent time with Him in the early hours before the day and demands and people overwhelmed him. Loving Mark!!

  10. I feel that way all the time. I feel that if i don’t do this someone would be so upset with me it would be WW3.

  11. I know it’s only been day 3 of Mark but I have been excited! I told myself before we started this study that I would wake up in the morning before the day starts to spend time with God and it has started my day off great and just reading this verse Mark 1:35, “And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he (Jesus) departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.” This makes it worthwhile because I get to spend it with Him. Thank you for all the studies and insights! Truly enjoy them! xo

  12. Great post Courtney. Loving this study on Mark. I really enjoy studying Jesus’ life here as it is the best guide in life in how to live for Jesus.
    Thank you for the work you and your team do, so we can learn and grow together in Gods word.

  13. That time of separation to pray to God is to get direction,wisdom and a road map for the day. It is a very important time also for rejuvenation and filling of the Holy Spirit. Thanks to the team. Am. Enjoying the study. God bless you guys.

  14. Hi dear and dearest Courtney ..You are a real blessing for me.When time permits can you please write a blog on your every day schedule.
    Love n prayers
    Tina

  15. Hi everyone, I am so joyful to be back studying with all of you. Thank you Courtney for listening to his voice and doing what you are doing for all of us. What spoke to me was how the men that Jesus asked to join him (disciples) didn’t think about it…they just left what they were doing. It speaks to me in that I need to listen to the Spirit and do what God is speaking to me. Thank you God.

  16. Love this! Is there any way you could share your blog posts so they are easily printable? I would LOVE to have this post in my prayer journal…it would be neat to have it ready to print and cut out for a boost and reminder in my journal.
    Thank you for sharing your faith, I look forward to it everyday.

    1. Hi Jenny,

      All of my blog posts are printable from a computer. Go to the bottom of the post under where I signed my name and you will see a bunch of colorful boxes. In that row is a green square that has a picture of a printer. Click it and it will open a printable page for you!

      Hope that helps and thanks for asking!
      Courtney 🙂

  17. Your email message containing this article came right when I needed it. I was having a rough morning, dealing with a somewhat difficult person at work this afternoon and coming home after picking my son up. I had to help him with his homework, make dinner, wash some dishes and unload the dishwasher. Everything was overwhelming me and I just sat down and cried. My son came up to me and said that he has rough days too sometimes and gave me a big hug. I really di not want him to see his mommy break down like I did–and 0f course I cried harder. But it was more of a joyful cry. I had been praying to God to help me through out the day and here my own 9 year old boy was helping me. My husband has taken him to bed and I am going to indulge in God’s word with a soothing cup of honey vanilla chamomile tea. Again, thank you, Courtney!

  18. Thank you! I too am learning that I cannot do this life alone. Todays study was in season for where I am at right now. I am new also to GMG. Really happy to be here to learn and share and serve.

  19. So needed this post today! I am behind in my reading for Mark and I have a sick husband who is home from work this week, a little boy fighting the sniffles and I myself have a cold! I am taking care of everything right now but myself and my time with God! Thanks for posting this on a day where I needed the encouragement that it’s ok to make time for myself and alone time with God!

  20. I’m a day late reading yesterday’s post, but I’m so glad I did.. I too get up in the early morning while it is still dark to spend time with the LORD in prayer and study. And I must say that this is the best part of my day! It is the only time that I can be completely alone.
    “Jesus had to have an escape . . . Remember- even Jesus got away and needed rest. It is okay to rest.” Wow! This is exactly what I needed to read. Life is so overwhelming. I am a wife, mother, grandmother, and caregiver.. The responsibilities don’t go away when your kids get married and have children of their own. My husband and I are responsible for providing after school care, day care for our newest grandson, and child care when the parents are on business trips or working long hours. And boy do we need a break from time to time. Well this weekend we are planning a “get away”. I’m praying that I will find a solitary place to get alone with My heavenly Father, alone in His Presence.

    Thanks Courtney

  21. Hi. I actually just started the Mark study. I’m going to double up and be ready for Deuteronomy:) Just got my Mark book. I believe it may have printed all out of order but I wanted to make sure I wasn’t missing something or if there was a reason.
    The very first page in my book is mark 7:6,7 and then reflection question.

    So excited!

    Sheila

    1. Sheila

      Oh dear!!! It is printed all out of order? Something is definitely NOT right. I’m so very sorry. You may want to contact Amazon’s customer service and ask them to resend you a corrected copy.

      My apologies and so glad you are joining us!!!
      Lots of Love,
      Courtney

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