Sometimes we gloss over the decisions of everyday people as we look at the more spectacular life of Jesus. But a conversation with a friend on his difficulty finding time for both exercise and time with God was in the back of my mind as I read this short paragraph:

Soon afterward, Jesus began a ministry tour throughout the country, visiting cities and villages to announce the wonderful news of God’s kingdom realm. His twelve disciples traveled with him and also a number of women…Among the women were Susanna and Joanna, the wife of Chusa, who managed King Herod’s household. Many other women who supported Jesus’ ministry from their own personal finances also traveled with him. (Luke 8.1 – 3, Passion Translation)

“His twelve disciples traveled with him and also a number of women…” In order to travel with Jesus, one has to not do something else. To use one’s money to support Jesus’ ministry is not to use the money for something else. (This isn’t rocket science.) 

Life is filled with choices. Some of these women were wealthy and could have spent their time doing what wealthy women did in those days, probably sitting around being waited on. Instead, they’re on the road with Jesus with no Hilton or Marriott hotels waiting at the end of the day! 

I don’t know the solution for my friend. Dick Schultz, former president of the US Olympic Committee, former head of the NCAA, had a daily routine that included one hour of exercise and one hour time with God. Since he needed an hour to get ready for the day, he got out of bed three hours before his first meeting! That was Dick Schultz’ solution. Of course, if his first meeting was at 7, he had to get up at 4. That would mean he couldn’t stay up late to watch, say, a game on television.

I know of no way around sacrificial choices to do what’s important. 

Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. (Luke 9.23, 24, NIV)

Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice? …Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her. (Proverbs 8.1, 10, 11, NIV)