Topic: Interruptions in Life.

Text: Luke 24:13-24

Key verse: One of them, named Cleopas, answered Him, “Are you the only stranger visiting Jerusalem who is unaware of the things which have happened here in these [recent] days?“- Luke 24:18 AMP

Things that are never in the plan happen in life, both for the rich and the poor, young and old. The events that break the momentum in life’s journeys are what we want to define as interruptions.

Interruptions range from natural occurrences like weather changes; rainfall that starts during an outdoor event, a punctured tire on your way to work, and the untimely loss of a loved one; spouse, parent, child, or friend. In our text, the people lost their leader.

Interruptions interfere with our plans, hopes, and dreams, leaving us with unpleasant outcomes we are often unprepared for. These interruptions are momentum breakers that throw us out of alignment, balance, and equilibrium. The impact affects individuals in various degrees depending on their personality, level of maturity, and available physical, spiritual, and emotional support.

From the garden of Eden, when man made a wrong choice to disobey God, he opened the door to satan to interfere with man\’s plans and program.

The Lord smelled the pleasing aroma [a soothing, satisfying scent], and the Lord said to Himself, “I will never again curse the ground because of man, for the intent (strong inclination, desire) of man’s heart is wicked from his youth; and I will never again destroy every living thing, as I have done. “While the earth remains, Seedtime and harvest, Cold and heat, Winter and summer, And day and night Shall not cease.” – Genesis 8:21-22

Man’s disobedience brought judgment, but even though God promised to remove the curse on the ground, he set a system that will characterize the change in seasons as long as the earth remains. No season on earth is permanent; if you are in the summer of life where everything is beautiful, expect winter sometime soon, not because you will do anything wrong, but because life works that way.

Solomon, the wise man in Ecclesiastes, also clarifies this subject by writing about the possible events that can happen in life; some of these will result from interruptions.

There is a season (a time appointed) for everything and a time for every delight and event or purpose under heaven – Ecclesiastes 3:1AMP.

Solomon mentioned every kind of event in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 including the time of “social distancing”.

…. A time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing. – Ecclesiastes 3:5

Should we then be unaware of interruptions? Should we expect them to occur? Should we anticipate the possibility? How, then, should we prepare in case they occur?

God’s will is revealed to us in Jeremiah 29:11, but often the opposite occurs not because of our sin, the sin of our loved ones, but because Satan is alive on planet earth with a mission to steal, kill and destroy; sometimes, he succeeds.

For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and hope. – Jeremiah 29:11

  The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows]. – John 10:10

The disciples found themselves in a season of interruption; their master had been arrested and killed, bringing to an abrupt end his mission; they had enjoyed the power of his ministry, teaching, healing, deliverance for the oppressed, and above all, the anticipation of emancipation from the Romans. All those dreams and hopes seemed to have become history.

But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel and set our nation free. Indeed, besides all this, it is the third day since these things happened. – Luke 24:21AMP

Similarly, interruptions bring to an end beautiful plans, hopes, and dreams in the immediate, but God is always a step ahead to maximize the moment for his children. He never leaves us entirely in the dark about these things. All we need to do is step back and ask ourselves the right questions.

Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and [only then to] enter His glory?\” – Luke 24:26 AMP

Jesus models for us the type of questions to ask when faced with” interruptions”. Yes, it will affect our thoughts, feelings, and circumstances, but we must focus on the facts (What happened?)(Where is God?) truth, and (How it is going to affect my future?). We must not have a mindset that is coloured by bias, fault-finding, and condemning ourselves and others, but instead seek the truth.

Jesus points them back to the possibility that what happened might have been part of God\’s plan revealed through the prophets in the scriptures. Jesus gives us the first key: look to God for answers. Interruptions may bring a season of darkness, but note that God is still there in that time of night; nothing is hidden from him.

What kind of questions should we be asking? Questions that bring clarity deal with the impact on you and others and help you focus on the future.

Then beginning with Moses and [throughout] all the [writings of the] prophets, He explained and interpreted for them the things referring to Himself [found] in all the Scriptures. – Luke 24:27

God is ever-present to explain and clarify issues; we must be ready to hear from God when interruptions come; let\’s choose to respond to the truth and light we receive rather than dwell on questions that produce guilt, judgment, hopelessness, and depression.

No temptation [regardless of its source] has overtaken or enticed you that is not common to human experience [nor is any temptation unusual or beyond human resistance]; but God is faithful [to His word—He is compassionate and trustworthy], and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability [to resist], but along with the temptation He [has in the past and is now and] will [always] provide the way out as well, so that you will be able to endure it [without yielding, and will overcome temptation with joy]. – 1 Corinthians 10:13

God’s faithfulness always provides a way out! Hallelujah!!!!!

Prayer

1. Father, thank you for your plans for my life; may they all pass according to your books in Jesus’ name. l know my life is not an accident but was destined to fulfil a purpose, deliver me from satanic interruptions that slow me down, divert my journey, or usher in a season of darkness in Jesus\’ name.

2. Father, for the interruptions l, have to deal with, help me look to you for answers; deliver me from fear of the future, doubt, and unbelief about your love and promises in Jesus’ name.

3. For every mindset that has prevented me from seeing and believing the truth, l ask you to help me renew it in Jesus’ name.

4. I invite you into my life, home, and circumstances, open my eyes to see you at work, and revive my dreams and hopes in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.

Pastor Ada

Photo by Maria Lysenko on Unsplash