Sometimes we need to RETREAT TO ADVANCE.Of course being proactive, pressing forward and taking territory for the Kingdom is important.But there are seasons when the best thing we can do is retreat - create space, rest, recharge our batteries, replenishing our energy and renewing our strength.

Many of God’s people aren’t fit for battle or effective in service because we’re so tired. We’ve forgotten what it’s like to not be exhausted all the time. We’ve been running on empty for so long we don’t know what it’s like to be full, never mind overflowing.

Often the Kingdom advances, not through activity, but through attention to what matters most. Time in the presence of Jesus is never wasted. Soaking in the Spirit prepares us for Kingdom exploits.

In the midst of much need, Jesus once told the disciples: “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” He may well be saying the same to you today. If you RETREAT you will ADVANCE.

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Mark 6:30-32

“The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.

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Matthew 11:28-30

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

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Isaiah 40:30-31

“Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

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Psalm 62:5

“Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.”

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Psalm 116:7

“Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.”

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Luke 10:38-42

“As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed - or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”