There have been two specific moments in my life when God has ushered me into a season of rest. One was for eight months prior to us moving to Denver to help launch a church and the other was a season that I just recently experienced. Both seasons I entered somewhat unwillingly.
Resting for a season isn’t my first choice when it comes to my relationship with God. In retrospect, I see just how important those seasons were. Both took immense courage.
In the first season, God granted me time to replenish for the difficult yet rewarding road that lay ahead. Right before our move to Denver, He brought precious people into my life to serve and take care of my family and me. He financially relieved us from some things that were weighing on us.
He took the weight of overseeing teams completely off my plate and allowed me to simply serve for a season. He sent us out with more blessings than I can count. At first I didn’t want to be in that season, but God knew what it would take to birth the promise that was ahead, and it was rest.
The second season came even more unwillingly. It was after a long time of sowing, sowing, and sowing some more, beyond my natural capacity. I can only describe this second season as forced-rest from God.
It was like one of those times when your three-year-old is crying, cranky, and crazily tired
but they don’t know it. They emphatically claim they do not need a nap, yet the moment you place them in bed they are fast asleep instantaneously—as if the mattress holds secret, enchanting powers—and they wake up a different child. Yeah, that was me.
God knew what I needed more than I knew, being the loving heavenly Father that He is. It was
during this time that God reminded me of what was truly important in life.
He redefined my view of courage and success.
He opened my heart to new friendships and solidified old ones. He reminded me of who I am and reaffirmed His promise in my life. He helped me make room for His best—realigning my personhood to His purpose.
He helped me create new, healthy rhythms in my life that were beautifully life-giving. It was a time of leaning into His presence and experiencing God in fresh, personal, intimate ways.
Both seasons were marked with miracles. Both seasons were marked with God’s hand. Both seasons required insane courage.
If God is calling you to a season of rest, answer His call with wide open arms. Jump in with fervid joy. Emphatically embrace change, don’t fear it. Trust God. Pursue Him in ways you’ve never done before. Be fully obedient. He will do far more in you than you could ever accomplish on your own.
"At the same time, allow Him to prepare you for the amazing destiny He has for your future. Embrace the courage to rest."
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Photo Credit: Lisa, pexels.com
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