Grace-period

Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, LORD,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep. All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” 1 Kings 19:3-5 NIV I always like Elijah, ever since I was told flannelgraph stories in Sunday School and later while I read my comic strip Bible.  He is one bad dude.  I mean, c'mon, he gets to go to heaven by a fiery chariot! Pretty cool. I was thinking of Elijah today.  I can't say I have done anything exciting like he did-show up a false god's prophets or become enemy #1 in a nation-but I can relate to his spiritual exhaustion, his fear of the future.  I have been feeling that deep fatigue and missing the past-people, experien...

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls..." Matthew 11:28-29 NIV Jesus spoke these words, and many have taken them to heart over the centuries. I have been hearing them lately, but no rest arrives.  I wait in the knowing that God is good and that all awful things may be turned into positive blessings, as has been the instance many time in my life, but I am tired.  Even my waiting is filled with anxiety.  My heart is sad.  My spirit shifts uneasy.  Sleep is fitful.  Wakeful hours are only somewhat distracting.  Always this thorn of discomfort.  I read these words and want to shout, "Pick me!  I want rest!" But I haven't any idea how to rest these knots in my gut.  Tears flow when the day has worn on me too long, too hard.  It feels like there is no rest for me.  One foot i...