Jesus therefore no longer walked openly among the Jews, but went from there to the region near the wilderness, to a town called Ephraim, and there he stayed with the disciples — John 11:54

This moment reminds me of the tension that God-fearing men sometimes encounter—the tension between personal protection and divine purpose. I think many men struggle to navigate this, particularly when facing issues at work, in marriage, or in our personal lives. We find it challenging to discern the right response: when should we run, and when should we fight?

Jesus knew precisely what he needed to do. He chose to retreat for a while to a town approximately 12 miles away and surrounded himself with good men. He spent his last moments before the tension of the final week of his life with men he loved. Importantly, he remained close enough to fulfill his ultimate purpose.

So today, if you feel or face that same tension, follow Jesus' example. Take some time to retreat and regroup. Surround yourself with good and godly men. Seek counsel and grow in discernment. However, be cautious not to run so far from the problem that you cannot engage with the divine moment that God has prepared for you because that tension you're experiencing is, in fact, a divine opportunity. And when the time is right, take action.

ASK THIS:

1. How do you typically handle the tension between personal protection and divine purpose in your own life? Are there areas where you tend to lean more towards self-preservation, and how might that impact your ability to fulfill your divine calling?
2. Consider a current situation or challenge where you are experiencing the tension between personal protection and divine purpose. What steps can you take to retreat, seek counsel, and grow in discernment in order to navigate this tension more effectively? How can you find a balance between ensuring your well-being and staying open to the divine opportunities that may arise?

DO THIS: Retreat, get counsel, and act.

PRAY THIS: God, grant me the wisdom and discernment to navigate the tension between personal protection and divine purpose, and guide me to walk in alignment with Your will, trusting in Your timing and divine opportunities. Amen.

PLAY THIS: Surrounded (Fight My Battles).