Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Rest (01/17/13)
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TITLE: You're Under Arrest - A Devotional | Previous Challenge Entry
By Tim Pickl
01/19/13 -
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For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.”
Hebrews 4:8-12 (New Living Translation)
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“Ugh! I don’t have time for this! We’re just WAY too busy at work right now—they really need me.” Marcia slammed the landline phone down.
Bob was reading the morning news headlines on his Google phone at the kitchen table. He looked up and asked, “What did your boss say?”
“I can’t believe this! She said I ‘sounded awful’ and to ‘take the rest of the week off’. This is unreal.”
“I heard you coughing on the phone. It sounded pretty bad to me.”
“Yeah, I did all I could not to. I told her it was just a tickle—”
“But she wasn’t buying it?” Bob’s phone announced he had a new text.
“Nope. This is so crazy. I have too much to do at work.”
“Will someone cover for you while you’re out?”
“She said they will take care of it. She said I needed to rest.”
“I just got a text from the Pastor. He says he is praying for you and to not worry about meeting this week to plan the Annual Ladies Spring Food Pantry Fundraiser. He says he’ll meet with you next week.”
“I really don’t have time for this. We need to iron out the details as soon as possible because we are inviting all the churches in the community.”
“He said you need a day of rest—maybe 7 days of rest.”
“Ugh! I don’t have any time to rest.”
“Perhaps God is telling you to slow down and take it easy. You’ve been running yourself ragged taking care of everyone else—you need some time for yourself.”
Marcia sat down at the kitchen table opposite Bob, and sighed. “You know what Bob. I think you’re right. That is exactly what I have been doing. I’ve taken no days off for days and weeks and months and years.” Marcia yawned big, and then started another coughing fit.
“Whoa—it’s starting to sound worse. I think we should pray together; and then I will run to the store and get some fresh medicine and orange juice and chicken noodle soup to help you get through this.”
“Okay.”
Bob set his phone aside, then gently took Marcia’s hands and simply prayed, “Thank You Lord for this sickness, because it is a blessing in disguise. Help Marcia—help us—Lord to remember to enter into the rest you’ve created for us. Thank You for never leaving us or forsaking us. We love You Jesus. In Your Name we pray. Amen.”
“Amen.”
“You know what? I just got a really awesome thought while we were praying.”
“What’s that?”
“Marcia, you’re under arrest. Get it? A rest?”
“Ha ha—I got it. That’s awesome.”
“It’s a God thought. Now please… run up and get back in that bed. I will be back in a flash.”
“Bob?”
“Yes? Do you need anything special?”
“I just wanted to say that I love you. I really appreciate you. I know I don’t tell you enough.”
“It’s okay, Marcia. I love and appreciate you, too. I would do anything for you. I love you so much.”
“I love you more, Officer.”
“Very funny. Did you want anything else while I running over there?”
“I just need a hug.”
Bob and Marcia embraced; and Bob saw that Marcia had tears in her eyes.
“What’s wrong?”
“Oh, nothing’s wrong. Everything is so right.”
“When you get better, we need to plan a summer vacation.”
“I agree with that!”
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“Everlasting Father, please help me to slow down, and stop long enough to hear Your still, small voice. Help me to enter into the rest You have prepared for me on a regular basis, so I can be recharged, re-anointed, revived and ready to serve in Your kingdom. In Your Name, Jesus. Amen.”
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