LEARN TO LIVE AND REST AGAIN
Carey Madding
Today's Scripture: “The man called his wife's name Eve, because she was the mother of all living.” Genesis 3:20, ESV
Theme: Learn how to live and rest in God’s grace and forgiveness.
RECOVERY AND RECOUPERATION
Many years ago, Mike had a very bad wreck. He was working in the oil field, driving a heated acid truck for a fracking company when its brakes failed. He had broken bones, torn skin and scars, and internal injuries. It seemed for weeks that there was nothing to do but lie still, survive the pain, and let his injuries heal. And then he was released from the hospital. You may have experienced this: the excitement of going home to sleep in your own bed, but the simultaneous fear of being without the ready assistance of the medical staff.
REHAB
At home, there were still many weeks of resting, but strength slowly came back into his body and bones. He was allowed to go to the pool, sit on the edge, and once safely there, take off his back brace and the removable cast on his leg. He would swim as many laps as he could manage, strengthening his muscles without putting weight on his back or legs. That rehab was important to regain the use of body and to combat pain.
RESUMING LIFE
At some point, he was done with crutches, back braces, and leg casts. Even then, it wasn’t instantaneous, but regular life resumed. He began to drive again. He went to work, though at a desk job. He went grocery shopping and to church.
This is the same process we go through after a deep hurt, a loss, or a moral failure. It takes time to gain confidence and peace. Yet, just as Adam and Eve seemingly took up where they left off, we must choose to “shake it off” and move forward. You don’t forget the lesson you learned in that failure. You surely don’t “move on” and forget the person whom you are grieving. It may take you time to come to a place where you can forgive the person who has hurt you.
Yet in the case of sin, God does want to forgive us and forget it. He wants us to move forward, not under a cloud of condemnation, but with a sense of hope. He wants us to feel His pleasure and His peace.
Make It Personal: In what way do you need to recuperate and rest during this season? In what way do you need to move on and live again? Schedule time to intentionally live and intentionally rest this week...and then do it! Respond in faith and repentance to conviction. But shake off condemnation and lingering guilt and rest in Jesus.
Pray: Father, I know I have made errors and need to recover from my mistakes. Thank You for providing life even after. Thank You for prescribing rest for my soul and sometimes recuperation. Help me to pay attention to what You are teaching me so that I can move on. accepting Your grace and forgiveness, living the abundant life You have planned for me. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
Read: Genesis 1:31-2:3; Matthew 11:28-30; John 10:10
Weekly Memory Verse:
“For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6, ESV