When evening came, he was there alone.
—Matthew 14:23
Moses was alone when God spoke to him (Exod. 3:1-5). Joshua was alone when God commissioned him (Josh. 1:1-5). Gideon was alone when God recruited him (Judg. 6:11-12). Cornelius was alone when God charged him (Acts 10:3). Paul was alone for three years while God prepared him (Gal. 1:17-18).
Jesus’ schedule was an exhausting sunrise-to-sunset marathon of teaching, healing, and serving. But he regularly refueled, retreating to spend time alone with God.
You will never grow much or serve well unless you spend time alone with God. “When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray … your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you” (Matt. 6:6).
It is hard to hear God’s voice in a crowd.