R . E . S . T .
Nature has been so crucial to my existence in this season of change.
Learning to pace ourselves as the vigor we bring to spiritual warfare is only as good as the wellness of our spirits.
I've been meditating on the reality of R.E.S.T. and how especially in this time the crucial nature of:
Releasing into Control
Expecting Blessings
Staying Patient
Trusting God
Despite what we find ourselves believing but Rest is an active posture of living. It's a state that allows for us to maximize the will of God, refuel our engines and execute the purpose for our lives.
So with that all in mind I think the time has come to pick up the pen again and allow for the early mornings to return and the quiet time with God to resume. Let's get it!
Now I think we all can get down with stories of Valor and Victory!
Everybody can relate to the courageous acts of David, Esther, or Moses. Maybe even you resonate with the patience and focus of Joshua or Abraham. Perhaps the wisdom and determination of Mary, Elijah, or Ruth. But what about those that don't live in the headlines?
A wise sister of mine, Denise Manning, once said, "I think we all have to reflect honestly on just what role we are in the Bible. Cuz sometimes I think we think we are playing Disciple when we really just being a Pharisees…"
Whew...and it got me thinking. What about the other "characters"? The ones that live in the footnotes of a chapter? The names we cannot pronounce or they never do Bible reenactments of.
When looking at my favorite OG Paul (sorry Peter) I look at his story and I'm reminded of Ananias.
"Saul picked himself up off the ground, but when he opened his eyes he was blind. So his companions led him by the hand to Damascus. Now there was a believer in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, calling, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord!” he replied. The Lord said, “Go over to Straight Street, to the house of Judas. When you get there, ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying to me right now. I have shown him a vision of a man named Ananias coming in and laying hands on him so he can see again.” “But Lord,” exclaimed Ananias, “I’ve heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem! And he is authorized by the leading priests to arrest everyone who calls upon your name.”
But the Lord said, “Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name’s sake.” So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Instantly something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized. Afterward, he ate some food and regained his strength. Saul stayed with the believers in Damascus for a few days.” (Acts 9:8, 10-19)
Despite his feelings, Ananias did what he was told. Worth noting that had Ananias gone by what he wanted, acted out of fear, resisted in lieu of what was "Comfortable" and often times would have been seen as expected of a Believer in relationships to Saul (Remember Saul at this moment was known for capturing and slaughtering ALL who believed) then Saul wouldn't receive the fulfillment of his word from God and subsequently gone on to write and spread much of God's word in the ways in which we see the world of Christ now!
Like but while all that's dope, you know who I keep thinking about...Ananias.
Think about really...like I wonder a lot of times about how often the Truth was needed in a space and yet I've grown weary and fearful of listening to exactly what God is commanding me to do.
Imagine how fearful he must've really been feeling. And then on top of that how released he would have felt the second he strolled up to Saul (also interesting to note how God told him to go to Saul with the truth...not the reverse) and exercised exactly the kinda faith God expected of him. Like Ananias don't really come back in the scriptures! Think about how God utilizes all the people. The whole body. I couldn't stop thinking about what must the next two weeks been like for Ananias? Let alone how crazy it probably would be to 5 - 10 years later to be hearing bout "ol Saul" who's now going by Paul preaching the word of Jesus Christ?!
I mean WTF RIGHT?! I bet Ananias must have felt all sorts of things. I know if it were me I'd wrestle with the truth of who was the "one that got Paul this Jesus tip".
Truth be told I'd probably been that dude bragging wanting to flex and bitter that my story in Bible would go so far as a notarized act in The Acts. But then I would miss this word of truth.
Sometimes God needs those in the background, the Ordinary, to exercise the extraordinary in order to illuminate through those we deem Extraordinary the ordinary.
God needed the Ananias' of the world to sow faithfully behind closed doors in order to have the doors flung open for all those to see. I often in this time especially think about where are the private assignments God's calling me to that might not get the likes and fanfare but are CRUCIAL to the viral message of God.
Ananias must have gone on to feel so much more empowered to truly trust in God.
To fulfill the active nature of God's R.E.S.T.
RELEASING CONTROL
EXPECTING THE BLESSINGS
STAYING PRESENT AND PATIENT
TRUSTING GOD
With this season coming to a close and a new horizon fast approaching (wow 2020...) all I can guarantee is that my response to the realignment is where my biggest revealing of character will occur!
Just as Ananias walked in trust of God's Plan in God's Timing that would not only free Saul to fulfill his destiny but would release the fear of people like Ananias and empower through freedom to trust and thus complete the assignments laid out in our lives. Cause the reality is we are all the main character of the story at some point so the question becomes…in this season are you interested in playing your part, trusting God's word for you, and willing to do the hard work to freedom.
“WHEN YOU GIVE YOUR ALL TO GOD ONLY THEN CAN GOD GIVE US ALL WE WERE MEANT TO HAVE.”