The cartoon said it all. Beneath a picture of a frustrated young man was this caption: "God put me on this earth to accomplish a certain number of things. Right now I'm so far behind I will never die."

This same theme was echoed in a television interview with a US senator. Although still in his prime, he had announced that he would not seek re-election. He spoke of packed agendas, endless meetings, long hours, and little time with his family.

We usually don't associate that kind of pace with Jesus' life. Yet consider His mission and ministry. He came into the world to provide salvation for sinners. Multitudes of sick and needy people thronged Him. The religious establishment violently opposed Him. He came to do His Father's will and had to train a small band of loyal followers to spread the gospel after He left them. And all within 3 years. What an agenda for pressure!

How did He accomplish His mission? He made doing His Father's will His top priority. He took time to get away to rest, and He used that solitude to pray (Mt. 14:23).

When the world closes in on you, remember Jesus' example. Slip away and find a quiet place to pray. It's the best response when you're pushed beyond your limits.  — Dennis J. De Haan