A Time to Rest

Rest.  Exactly what is it rest in such a busy world where society has taught us to always be busy doing, going, striving to be somebody or do something?  As I have been forced even more so in to a position to rest and learn pacing techniques, I could not help but reflect on the type of rest and reflection my heavenly father had planned for me.  

Looking back at the seventh day of creation when even God himself rested showed up the importance to rest, pause and reflect.  Without rest there seems to be little to no room for the type of quiet reflecting moments needed by our heavenly father.

Rest is essential for the body as much as it is for the mind.  Even athletes need rest to prevent their bodies from injuries and collapse from exhaustion.  So it is our minds need rest from the thoughts of the activities of our day as well as the activities that surround us in our daily life from the world in which we live.  Rest the time needed to recharge our batteries physically, recharge our minds mentally, and our hearts spiritually.

I somehow thought my fasting and prayer would entail anything but rest. I had planned in my mind of what I thought God would begin to work in my life through this time.  I cannot help but be gently reminded by such a loving father of his words when he says, "my thoughts are not your thoughts and my  plans are not your plans".  That could only mean one thing.  What I would presume to be something great is Gods eyes was not really going to be so great, because he had something much greater to be taught and learned.

I could only realize that while learning to slow down my expectations there was a true reliance of  my needing to continually let go and let God.  I also realized that my hopes for seeing miracles and breakthroughs had to begin with the much needed work inside me.  This work was not what I in my human mind thought was part of God's plan but through learning perserverence to keep seeking and pursuing came self discipline, courage, confidence, and character.

The realization of being somebody when society would see me as nobody.  It really showed me that who we think we are and what we need to do and be in our own human minds is really nobody at all.  Without Christ and the dieing of self and coming to a point of complete reliance on him can we really be somebody.  The somebody that he wants and created us to be.  That beautiful piece of  pottered art that he is molding and perfecting that will be used for not our glory but his glory.

Lessons of Life

As I have been learning to sit back and learning to listen for the quiet voice and direction of my heavenly father, I cannot help to evaluate my life and the hunger and desire I feel burning inside.  It becomes relevant as I seek to find more quiet time that I begin to prioritize my life and my day and all the distractions that may come with it.  It becomes necessary to remove those things that may be addictions or could hinder that precious time with the father.

I am learning that a sacrifice to the father will bring eternal benefits and rewards.  These can only come as we persevere and seek the face and will of our Father.  To learn to lay down and ultimately surrender to the will of the father takes great work.  In this there is much character to be learned.  For myself is self discipline.  To be disciplined to control myself and not give way to temptations.  To control myself to becoming who the Father would want me to be.  I could ultimately continue this list to great lengths, but ultimately we are powerless without the will and direct guidance of our heavenly father.  I pray that in my coming days ahead as I seek to obey the will and seek a deeper more profound relationship for those areas that I see the great hand of God and hear the words "Well done my good and faithful servant".