This morning while running I had the clearest vision of myself as a warrior. I was dressed in the type of armor you might see when watching a “Lord of the Rings” movie. I was kneeling down on one knee and holding a sword, which I drove down into the ground and then leaned upon. In that moment I felt God showing me that He had brought us here to this new town and home for a season of rest.
What a welcomed thought. For the many years we lived in Pennsylvania, I always felt we were fighting one spiritual battle after another. I was exhausted by this and struggled to feel at rest. God had told me that we were living there as missionaries. This explained some of the feelings I had while there.
Don’t get me wrong, I loved a lot about our time there, it’s just that I never truly felt released to fully rest. It was a challenging thing. I need rest. I need some downtime. I need time at my Saviors feet just resting and loving Him.
I will enter into this rest. I receive this season with open arms and a willing heart. It’s time.
I’m not the only one needing it though, my kids have been on quite the journey too. They need some rest. They need a time to establish and further develop a strong root system. The thing that will help them navigate the world once they are out on their own. I have longed for them to have a place that truly felt like home. This is it.
My husband needs rest. He has done whatever it takes to provide for our family. He has lived apart from us many times, so he could provide. He doesn’t shy away from this and I am so proud of him, but we are much more likely to keep him working from home or at least close to home now that we are located in the South. What a blessing.
I ask you today, “Where are you in the battle?” In what season are you living?
It’s important to know these things. It’s important to acknowledge where you are, so you can know where and how to focus.
Take some time and let God lead your heart and mind into the revelation of your season. Then ask Him how to best navigate it. How would He have you live out each day? If you are in a season of rest, then I encourage you to embrace it. If you are in a season of warfare, then I encourage you to be “all in”. You won’t regret it. But one thing I suggest is please, please do not deny your season. If you do, then even rest will feel like work. The best way to remain in peace is to embrace the season to which you are called. Be where you are.
“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat- for He grants sleep to those He loves. Psalm 127:1-2
365 Days in the Presence 