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Divine Detours: Finding God in Life’s Interruptions”

Embracing Unexpected Moments as Opportunities for Ministry

Text: Mark 5:21-43 (Jesus’ interruptions—healing the woman while on the way to Jairus’ house)
Key Idea: Ministry doesn’t just happen in scheduled events—it also happens in the interruptions.

Introduction: The Unexpected Nature of Ministry

We often think of ministry as something planned—sermons, scheduled meetings, structured outreach programs. But in reality, true ministry happens in the daily flow of life, in unexpected interruptions where God is working.

Jesus modeled a ministry of availability, responding to people in moments of crisis, need, and interruption. Mark 5:21-43 gives us a perfect example: Jesus was on His way to heal Jairus’ daughter, but He was interrupted by a woman in desperate need. Instead of being frustrated, He embraced the moment, revealing that God’s work often happens in life’s interruptions.

I. Interruptions Are Divine Appointments, Not Distractions

A. Human Perspective: Interruptions as Inconveniences

  • We live in a time-driven culture, where schedules and efficiency are prioritized.
  • We view interruptions as disruptions to our important work.
  • Example: A pastor preparing a sermon but being interrupted by a person in crisis.

B. God’s Perspective: Interruptions as Divine Assignments

  • Jesus never saw interruptions as accidents but as opportunities.
  • The bleeding woman’s interruption was not a distraction but a moment for healing and faith to be revealed.
  • Biblical Example: The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)—two religious leaders saw the injured man as a distraction, but the Samaritan saw him as a divine appointment.

Application:
✔ How often do we resist interruptions rather than embracing them?
✔ What would change if we saw interruptions as God’s invitation rather than obstacles?

II. Jesus’ Ministry on the Way—Always Available for People

A. Jesus’ Journey to Jairus’ House

  • Jairus, a synagogue leader, urgently needed Jesus to heal his dying daughter.
  • Time was critical, yet Jesus stopped for someone else—this seems counterintuitive!
  • Jesus was not in a hurry—He trusted God’s perfect timing.

B. The Woman with the Issue of Blood

  • This woman had suffered for 12 years, seen many doctors, and spent all she had—yet she was still sick.
  • She interrupts Jesus’ journey, simply touching His garment in faith.
  • Jesus stopped, looked for her, and called her “Daughter.”
  • Her interruption led to a revelation of faith and healing.

C. What Happened to Jairus?

  • While Jesus paused, Jairus received devastating news—his daughter had died.
  • If Jesus had hurried, would He have made it in time? From a human standpoint, this interruption delayed the miracle.
  • But Jesus responded, “Do not fear, only believe” (Mark 5:36).
  • God’s timing is never wrong—Jesus raised the girl from the dead, showing that no interruption can derail God’s plan.

Application:
✔ Are we available for the people God places in our path each day?
✔ Do we trust that God’s timing is always perfect, even when delays seem costly?

III. The Danger of a Program-Driven Rather Than Spirit-Led Church

A. A Church Too Busy for People

  • Many churches are program-heavy but relationship-poor.
  • We fill schedules with meetings, sermons, and strategic plans, yet miss the people God places before us.
  • Example: The disciples often tried to push people away, but Jesus always welcomed them (Mark 10:13-16).

B. Jesus Modeled a Spirit-Led Ministry

  • Jesus was never rushed, yet He accomplished everything God intended.
  • He was not bound by a schedule—He was led by the Father’s will.
  • Biblical Example: John 11—Jesus delayed coming to Lazarus, allowing a greater miracle.

Application:
✔ Are we making room for God’s interruptions, or are we too focused on structured ministry?
✔ Is our church Spirit-led or agenda-driven?

IV. Cultivating an Awareness of God’s Presence in Ordinary Life

A. Training Our Spiritual Eyes

  • Seeing interruptions as divine moments requires awareness.
  • Jesus was always present—He noticed people in the crowd others ignored.
  • Example: Zacchaeus in the tree (Luke 19:1-10)—Jesus noticed him and invited Himself over.

B. Developing a Heart of Availability

  • Ministry is not just what we do—it’s how we live.
  • A Spirit-led life means being open, flexible, and responsive to God’s leading.
  • Practical Steps:
  • Pray daily: “Lord, open my eyes to divine appointments today.”
  • Slow down: Stop rushing and start noticing.
  • Engage people: Be fully present in conversations.

Application:
✔ Do we see God’s hand in daily interruptions, or are we too busy?
✔ How can we cultivate a heart that sees and responds like Jesus?

Conclusion: Being Fully Present Where God Is Moving

A. Ministry in the Traffic

  • Ministry is not just in the pulpit but in the daily interactions—at the store, workplace, or in a conversation with a friend.
  • The best ministry moments often aren’t planned—but God-orchestrated.

B. Personal Challenge

  • This week, embrace interruptions as divine appointments.
  • Ask: What might God be doing in this moment?
  • Commit to slowing down and being fully present.

Final Reflection:
🛑 Are we too busy for the people God places before us?
🛑 What would change if we saw interruptions as divine opportunities?

Prayer: Lord, help me to be fully present in the places You are moving. Teach me to embrace interruptions as opportunities to reveal Your love and power. Amen.

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