One of my favorite books of the Bible is the Gospel of Mark. I appreciate his “just the facts” approach to the story of Jesus. Mark doesn’t waste words—he gets right to the point.
Recently, I had to smile as I read this passage:
“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: ‘Everyone is looking for you!’ Jesus replied, ‘Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.’”
—Mark 1:35–38 (NIV)
Doesn’t that strike you as odd? Just as the crowds were gathering, Jesus slipped away. Most leaders chase the spotlight. They dream of filling stadiums, building platforms, and gathering followers. But Jesus? When His ratings spiked—He took a hike. When the numbers were high—He said goodbye. When the crowds grew—He bid them adieu.
Unusual? Absolutely. But deeply instructive. What can we learn from this surprising moment?
3 Keys to Following God
1. God’s plan is rarely like our plan. We’re drawn to the predictable, the practical, and the popular. But God often leads us into the unexpected, the unconventional, even the unthinkable. His ways are higher than ours. Trust Him, even when His path doesn’t match your plan.
2. Don’t be shaped by others’ expectations. Like many, I struggle with being a people-pleaser. The opinions of others weigh heavily on me. But in the end, there is only one opinion that matters. We are called to live for an audience of One. Pleasing God must always outweigh pleasing people.
3. Never exchange good for God. Not everything that is “good” is God’s will for you. There are many good things we could do, but they aren’t always the things He is leading us to do. The real challenge is learning to discern the difference.
Summary: When we see Jesus walk away from the crowds, we’re reminded: God’s ways are not man’s ways. Following Him means trading popularity for purpose, applause for obedience, and good intentions for God’s direction.
Which of these three keys speaks most to where you are today?
Stephen C. Rice 
In my life, I have made decisions due to the fact that I MADE them. I didn’t trust God to make them for me. He knows what is best for me. God is the only audience I need. A wise Pastor (I can’t say his name, but his initials are SR) once told me that God sees the big picture. I listened but I didn’t hear. I hear loud & clear now. God is so good. HE is in control.
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Thanks Cathy. You made lots of good decisions along the way as well. I have learned that we all need each other on our Christian journeys. I need the help, advice, and accountability of others to keep me strong and focused.
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Your comments about an audience of one reminded me of a song by the same name…….
Audience Of One
I come on my knees
To lay down before you
Bringing all that I am
Longing only to know you
Seeking your face
And not only your hand
I find you embracing me
Just as I am
And I lift these songs
To you and you alone
As I sing to you
In my praises make your home
To my audience of one
You are Father, and you are Son
As your spirit flows free,
Let it find within me
A heart that beats to praise you.
And now just to know you more
Has become my great reward
To see your kingdom come
And your will be done
I only desire to be yours,
Lord
So what could I bring
To honor your majesty
What song could I sing
That would move the heart of royalty
And all that I have
Is the life that you’ve given me
So Lord let me live for you
My song with humility
And Lord as the love song
Of my life is played
I have one desire
To bring glory to your name
To my audience of one
You are Father, and you are Son
As your spirit flows free,
Let it find within me
A heart that beats to praise you.
And now just to know you more
Has become my great reward
To see your kingdom come
And your will be done
I only desire to be yours,
Lord
And we lift these songs
To you and you alone
As we sing to you
In our praises make your home
To my audience of one
You are Father, and you are Son
As your spirit flows free,
Let it find within me
A heart that beats to praise you.
And now just to know you more
Has become my great reward
To see your kingdom come
And your will be done
I only desire to be yours,
Lord
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Wow Buddy! Those are some powerful words. The phrases that leaps off the page at me is “A heart that beats to praise You. And now just to know you more has become my great reward.”
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Excellent post, Steve. Thank you for excellent key points to remember AND practice.
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