But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed [Luke 5:16]
Sometimes the noise and confusion of this 21st century is so great we don’t even know what questions to ask and, without the right questions, we never get the right answer. Just when you think you have the answer, the question changes. Maybe this will help.
In their excellent book on leadership, Hope is Not a Method, General G. Sullivan and Michael Harper tell a remarkable story about Lt. H. Moore in Vietnam. Lt. Moore’s battalion was surrounded by the Viet Cong and was outnumbered five to one. Moore’s troops fought with remarkable bravery for 4 or 5 straight days. Eventually, both sides claimed victory.
In the extensive debriefing after the battle, it was reported that from time to time Moore seemed to just withdraw—blocking everything and everyone out. When his concerned superiors questioned him about his behavior, Moore replied that he was in fact trying to block everything out so that he could ask himself the following three questions: 1) What is happening? 2) What is not happening? 3) What can I do to influence this action? These three questions went on to become a simple but effective grid for the U.S. Army’s strategic thinking. Obviously, Jesus had the same problem and solution at times–to withdraw. As a soldier in the army of God, this is good strategic thinking for us to follow whenever the battle rages.
Remember if the battle is on and you are struggling: 1) Draw aside with Jesus. 2) Block out everything and everyone. 3) Ask these three questions and you will be amazed at the wisdom and clarity of decisions you make.
Related Reading: James 1:5 Proverbs 22:17-19.
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Diane Hale
For the past 30 years, Diane has served as evangelist, trainer, teacher, mentor, and consultant for churches of many denominations.
http://dianehale.net/
