“When He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray.  Now when evening came, He was alone there.”  Matthew 14:23 Jesus after a busy day of ministry in the region of the Sea of Galilee retreated. He needed time to be alone in the presence of the Father.  In this fast-paced, get-ahead world, it’s easy to wear ourselves down, pressing ahead and moving forward at all costs.  But even in our desire to be effective Christians, we must consistently be willing to retreat into God’s presence.  Only in the refreshing of His strength can we find the resources to move forward in our service for Him.  Retreat in Jesus before moving forward.  Alone with the Father is the only place to find the strength to press on.