Years ago, my pastor began preaching a series on the 23rd Psalm. It was amazing to me that I had read and memorized this Psalm for years but had not really understood what the Psalmist was saying. At the time he did this series, I had been really struggling with things I did in the past that I feel had a lot to do with why I was a single parent. In my mind, I knew God had forgiven me, but I just could not seem to have peace. I felt that way because it seemed as if my past was lingering and trying to rise up in my present life.
The pastor emphasized that sometimes God has to make us lie down in order to refresh and restore us. In the 23rd Psalm, David uses an anthropomorphism (“human terminology to describe a divine being”) to help us understand how the Lord makes us lie down. Like a shepherd takes care of his sheep, God takes care of his people, ensuring that where we lie down is green (comfortable) and still (quiet). However, you know, even after hearing these words and feeling good about the sermon, I still didn’t receive what he was saying.
Later, I attended a previously planned meeting with some other single parents to discuss “"Enough! Breaking the Cycle…”" with Beverly M. Sedlacek, MSN, RN, CS of Into HIS Rest Ministries. She shared with us the cycle of sin, dysfunction, and our belief systems and advised us of tools to overcome by walking with God through the pain of life, while at the same time experiencing God’s healing for our hearts.
After the presentation, it was discussion time. Dr. Sedlacek and the other ladies stuck to me like glue on some issues I was dealing with. Dr. Sedlacek complimented me and asked me if I received it. However, again, I didn'’t feel I received anything. We talked for a while about some feelings I was having. I thought I’d dealt with them a long time ago. She suggested that we all read the book, "“From Bondage to Bonding”" by Nancy Groom. I left that meeting in tears and literally ran to my son to apologize to him for being overly protective and strict. I was trying to protect him from making the same mistakes I did. I let him know that I trusted him to make wise choices and that I trusted God to protect him from making the mistakes I did.
Now, you know God’s plans are not ours, right? I had a sore throat since the Thursday before the sermon and actually lost my voice on Saturday. I thought it was a passing virus and that I would be fine. I went to work on Monday, my voice still cracking, but I thought it was getting better. By Tuesday, I was back to square one - straining to get my words out, sounding like a boy going through the voice change during puberty. I saw a doctor and she said, you need to stay home and give your voice a rest. I had laryngitis, among other things!! God made me lie down so he could restore me! You see, during the time I was sick, I began praying for deliverance and restoration. God made a way for me to begin walking down that path through this situation.
Amazingly, my boss at that time, was a pastor (and a licensed counselor – go figure!) and while searching for some materials for an upcoming speaking engagement, I came across his sermon entitled – “"Dysfunction Destroys, But God Restores”". While at the doctor’s office, I began to read about the dysfunctional family of Jepthah in Judges 11 and then onto Ezekiel 26:16-23, 33-36 to learn about God’'s restoration. In the conclusion, the pastor’s notes stated that “if you are the cause of a dysfunctional family, know that God will work in your life, not for your name’ sake, but for His name’ sake. He is in the business of restoring dysfunctional people and families…”.
Are you guys following me here? There is no denying that the Lord was speaking to me and answering my prayer! That is what you call a RHEMA word. I began to receive. God took away my voice so I couldn’'t go to someone else for the answers. He allowed me to stay home in order to seek Him. In addition, when I began to seek Him, He gave me His word. He restored my soul.
Hallelujah! Thank you, Lord!
Comments
Post a Comment