Interrupt the Interrupter

Have you ever been focused on a specific task and had an interruption? Maybe you've been at the theater watching a movie and right in the climax of a scene  someone interrupts by speaking to you. Or perhaps you're concentrating on balancing the check book, when your child comes to you needing attention. Interruptions can be annoying and frustrating. Truth is, interruptions can reveal what's really important. There are good ones and bad ones, and they never come at a good time.

One such time recorded in the bible, would be when a young teenage girl got pregnant out of wedlock. Yes, that was Mary, the mother of Jesus. God's divine plan interrupted a young girls life. Her life instantly took a different path than her friends. Mary's reputation and wedding plans changed.  But, her acceptance of God's plan made available the worlds salvation. (Luke 1:38)

Another interruption of a different sort, came to a man named Jonah. You've probably heard the story that God wanted Jonah to go to Nineveh to tell them to repent of their sin. But Jonah didn't want to. So he ran from God, thinking he could hide. As the story goes, he ends up on a ship headed in the opposite direction, but is seized and thrown overboard because of a mega storm. And his journey now gets interrupted by a very large fish that God has sent to swallow him. Jonah's interruption keeps him in the belly of this fish for three days and three nights. Interestingly the fish puked Jonah up on the shore close to Nineveh. A divine intervention of God. And so, the people repented and changed their ways. 
(Jonah 1-4)

In the New Testament we find another type of interruption, that didn't end quite as well as the others we've discussed. One of the disciples, Judas, was 'interrupted' by satan, to betray Jesus. (John 13:27) From this point, Judas' life would never be the same. His interruption caused his demise, as he hung himself. (Matt. 27:5)

We all have events that interrupt us in life.: A life of sin can suspend God's plan in someones life. A pastor receiving a phone call in the middle of the night, to pray for one considering suicide. Someone's life is interrupted by sudden sickness, disease, or death. Negative words of discouragement. An unplanned pregnancy. The loss of a job. An inheritance of a lot of money. New found love. Restoration of lost family relationships. These and many more whether bad or good, are various interruptions that people deal with every day.  

We can determine how we are going to let these interruptions affect us. Romans 12:2 says, "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."  We don't have to respond to interruptions the same way as the world, exasperated, irritated, or aggravated. When they come in contact with 'suddenlies' it throws them off their groove and causes panic. But Romans 12:2 tells us to allow the character of God's Word to change our way of thinking.   By praying and submitting the situation to Him, He'll direct our path, leading us to make the right choices! (Prov. 3:5-6) The Word of God gives us advantage to discern from where this interruption is coming, thus comes wisdom to know what our response should be. If it's of God receive it, if it's from the devil interrupt it with the Word.

2 Cor. 10:5 " [Inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One),"  When interruptions come, and we know they will, interrupt the interrupter with God's Word and wisdom to discern, divide and conquer! Speak God's Word over interrupting demeaning thoughts, and physical attacks from the devil. Let the peace of God rule in your heart, by being prayerful in giving thanks to God, for He always causes us to triumph through Christ.

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