Daily dose of Encouragement: Finding True Rest

Sometimes you just need a break.  Yet who are we kidding? Catching a break with a chronic illness is unheard of, and certainly won't be happening anytime soon.  However, with the little strength left in your fighting bones, pushing forward seems utterly impossible, and it truly does not seem like you will be able to take another day. This leaves you with two options, either continue carrying the weight of the physical battle on your own shoulders, or give the weight of it all to God.  Now, this may sound easy, however, it is certainly easier said then done.  When living with a chronic illness, we naturally find ways to keep our brains and bodies busy, trying to stay distracted from the pain that comes a long with simply living.  For me, this means a daily routine of various mental and physical activities that, all together, not only benefit my body, but help me cope and make the time pass.  While having a schedule is important (even when you are sick and unable to live a "normal" life), the physical strain of dealing with a chronic illness quite often leads to burn out.  Though being productive and keeping your brain pre-occupied is beneficial in may ways, somedays it simply is not physically or mentally possible.  Therefore, it is in times like these that we must realize that slowing down, resting, and not sticking to the usual routine is OK.  Doing this does not make us lazy, but rather, allows us to realize how little is under our control, and how much of the day's plans our Gods.  Though it is true that we cannot see beyond a few mere hours into the future, God already knows what is going to happen, how He is going to help us, use us for His glory, and ultimately get us through today, tomorrow, and the next, victoriously. Though we may not physically feel like we have conquered the feeling of utter weakness, it is in times like these that God is able to take the load, shine through, and use His amazing power on our behalf.  

When we rest, lean in on God, and do not rely on our own will-power to get through the day, unexplainable peace and restoration become inevitably available.  Instead of trying to figure out how you are going to get through one more moment feeling so completely awful, God is right there to help us, taking our burdens, and letting us be free.  Though we may still remain tired and weak, there is a renewed sense of tranquility that surpasses all understanding.  Those who experience it cannot quite explain it, however, there is no question as to when one obtains God's strength and peace, as it inevitably allows them to keep going, regardless of the circumstances.  In the end, we need not be afraid to stop now and again, take a breather, deviate from the daily schedule, and trust God that it is in your best interest to simply stop and rest. Not only will the burden that so frequently builds up on our own shoulders be lifted, but the sense of restoration in even the sickest of bodies, will be renewed as well.   We tend to think the struggles of today are too much for us to handle, yet when in reality, it is just God calling us to have faith and find rest in Him.  

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Exodus 33:14 “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”