2 Timothy 3: 14-17 You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
This most recent season of my life has felt like wilderness. But comparing my life to the wandering children of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob shows a different picture.
I was taught early on in my Christian walk that the children of Israel and their struggles to enter the Promised Land were to be tools of learning. Paul writing to Timothy reminded him that he was to look to the whole Word of God for wisdom, knowledge, correction, and to know how to live a holy life. The children of Israel took 40 years to make an 11-day journey because they murmured and complained. It was only the next generation that was able to enter the land of promise.
It occurred to me that I actually have entered that land of blessing and am not wandering in the wilderness any longer. This season has been one of rest and healing, and those wanderers never found such benefits in the wilderness. So, I must have entered into my life of blessing to be in a season of healing and rest.
Healing requires rest – telling children they need to stay in bed to recover from illness is the worldwide litany of mothers. It requires rest because it is hard work. Our bodies need sleep to restore their functions. It is why visiting time is limited in intensive care units. Family members are advised by health care workers to go home and rest. The advice is not just to give time for the patient to heal, but to reenergize and sustain the family members as well.
Healing has been the season for my soul and body since midsummer last year: My eyesight has been restored. One chronic illness is in remission. Another has lessened symptoms and wanes in its impediment to my activity. These are not the results of wandering in the wilderness, they are inherit in living in the Promised Land promised me by the Lord.
My attitude about where I am in my walk with Jesus has taken a turn to greater hopefulness. I find my mindset altered with the perspective that this is a good place, not a frightening one. It is a lesson I have learned as I have sought the face of God in my Cleft For Life.
Look around – are you actually in a place of blessing even though it has felt like wilderness?
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