How do you respond to disruption?

Our days are full of activities. In fact, it seems some days have every minute filled, and there is no room for anything else. Then comes the dreaded disruption.

The Bible offers advise for days like this. Luke shows us Jesus having one.

The plans for the day had been set. Jesus was on his way to help Jairus, but another need suddenly appeared.

Luke says, “As Jesus went with him, he was surrounded by the crowds. A woman in the crowd had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding, and she could find no cure. Coming up behind Jesus, she touched the fringe of his robe. Immediately, the bleeding stopped” (Luke 8:42-44).

This woman touching Jesus wasn’t on the agenda. The plan wasn’t to stop by and help this lady on the way to Jarius’ home. She, and her need, were just in the crowd. Many people may have viewed her touching Jesus as a disruption to the day. She could have easily been met with frustration, but Jesus meets her with compassion.

“When the woman realized that she could not stay hidden, she began to tremble and fell to her knees in front of him. The whole crowd heard her explain why she had touched him and that she had been immediately healed. “Daughter,” he said to her, “your faith has made you well. Go in peace” (Luke 8:47-48).

Jesus didn’t view this interaction as a disruption. Rather, he viewed it as an opportunity. He took a moment and made time for this lady. The interaction may have been brief, but Jesus took time to have compassion.

What if we viewed disruptions to our day in the same way?

Perhaps God places certain interruptions in our path because someone needs encouragement. Perhaps he uses unexpected moments to slow us down and redirect our attention.

Try treating the next interruption as an opportunity rather than inconvenience. You never know what the Lord may accomplish through a moment you didn’t plan.

Thanks for reading.