Time Alone

Acts 20:13-27

English Standard Version (ESV)

¹³ But going ahead to the ship, we set sail for Assos, intending to take Paul aboard there, for so he had arranged, intending himself to go by land. ¹⁴ And when he met us at Assos, we took him on board and went to Mitylene. ¹⁵ And sailing from there we came the following day opposite Chios; the next day we touched at Samos; and^[a] the day after that we went to Miletus. ¹⁶ For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he might not have to spend time in Asia, for he was hastening to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of Pentecost.

(https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+20%3A13-16&version=ESV)

This passage is speaking about the travels of Paul.  Somehow you may think that it is a little redundant.  Why take the time to tell us where they went and whether it was by foot or boat? 

The fact that Paul had a plan or should I say, God had a plan for Paul and he was following it to the tee, really stood out to me.  There was a purpose in why he went where he did.  I had to wonder why he chose to go by foot rather than to get on the boat, and then I recalled Jesus doing much the same.  Remember the time Jesus sent the men out in the boat to cross over to the other side and He met them in the middle of the lake? (Matthew 14 beginning is verse 22).  He had a reason for not going with them as we can see in Matthew 14:23.  I would imagine Paul was doing much the same. 

There is no mention of Paul ministering to others in this particular passage so maybe he just needed some time alone with God like Jesus did.  That time alone with God sets us up for some events yet to come in this chapter.  Paul says and does some amazing things in the next few verses.  What I take away from the passage today is that sometimes we need that time away from people to help us become better ministers of the Word of God.  Sometimes we need a reprieve and need to focus our attention fully on the Father.  It does not mean that we are less than able but it simply means we need to recharge with the Power Source of the God Almighty. 

Maybe today you are traveling in this life with your friends all around you.  Maybe you need to step out of the boat and walk the path with the Father above.  Maybe you need to shed a few tears and cry out to me.  Maybe you need to sit in the quiet and hear His still, small voice.  Whatever it may be for you, may you seek Him with all your heart.  May you know that He is with you and will keep you in His care.

Seeking Him with all my heart,

Sheila