When we’re forced to not be as active as want to be, we still have an opportunity to serve. Here’s how we can serve by resting…

For the second time this year, I had surgery. The latest was major surgery. The kind that has you struggling or limping along for weeks. I’m not pretending I liked it, because I did not.

But, my perspective about feeling listless and not being able to accomplish anything changed after rereading the September 24th devotional of Streams in the Desert. The Scripture reference came from Acts 16:7 (NLT): “Then coming to the borders of Mysia, they headed north for the province of Bithynia, but again the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them to go there.”

Notice it says the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them to go. It’s a splendid example of how we may want to reach out and minister to others, but sometimes we are forced to wait, pause, or rest.

At these times, I’m usually disappointed and feel like I’m useless. In the same Streams in the Desert, devotion, George Matheson writes that serving the Lord by waiting or resting can be the most useful spot in our lives. He prays, “Teach me to see another door in the very inaction of the hour. Help me to find in the very prohibition thus to serve Thee, a new opening into Thy service. Inspire me with the knowledge that a man may at times be called to do his duty by doing nothing, to work by keeping still, to serve by waiting. When I remember the power of the ‘still small voice,’ I shall not murmur that sometimes the Spirit suffers me not to go.”

If during this holiday season you find yourself set aside from the busyness of life, understand that while you may feel useless, that doesn’t mean God sees you that way – and other people may be watching.

How I’m Learning to Serve by Resting

This week, a woman in my ReBUILD group said, “Georgia, you are modeling what many of us who live alone are frightened of.”

“What’s that?” I asked.

“Living alone and being weak or really sick.”

I had never considered that my current frustration could actually be helping others. But in a previous blog post, I talked about the power of observing and learning from others who model what we might be living or worried about. Sometimes I need reminders of the lessons I’ve already learned!

“I know not the way God leads me, but well do I know my Guide.”
Martin Luther

So, my prayer is when you are doubting how God can use you, remember that you may not see it, but you can serve simply by resting or waiting.

Warmly,
Georgia

Are you overwhelmed with the losses you've experienced?

Learn how to heal from those painful and unwanted changes in our free email devotional series, "Losing It... And Gaining More!"

Send me the devotionals!

You're in! Please check your email inbox for your first devotional. (If you don't see it in a few minutes, it may have landed in your junk folder. Just drag that email back to your main inbox to make sure you don't miss the next ones!)