Back from Part #1 of the Sabbatical, preparing to head out on Part #2.
For thus the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, has said,
"In repentance and rest you will be saved,
In quietness and trust is your strength."
Isaiah 30:15
I am being wooed by Someone who knows me intimately and loves me deeply. The Lord is breathing new life into me and lifting me up in so many ways. God has made it clear why this sabbatical needs to be months instead of days or weeks. I was completely fried before Sabbatical Part #1. I am already in a much, much better "headspace" than I was, but God has far, far more ahead. Please keep praying that I will rest and receive in Sabbatical Part #2.
So much excellent input, so many pages of journaling, so many hours of prayer, but I know I have only begun to scratch the surface. So much to read, study, learn, and process. But what I need most right now is to just BE. Be a human being instead of a human doing. Be still and know that He is God.
Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know.
Be still.
Be.
There are basically three parts to this extended spiritual sabbatical:
1. Decompression—letting the tight springs uncoil, letting the dust settle, retreating to stillness.
2. Receiving—exploring, learning, enjoying, and unpacking all God wants to give and teach me.
3. Reentry—How does God want to use me in the next season of ministry? What is my voice to be?
I am actually still mostly in the decompression stage. Although there are truly wonderful blessings along the way, this is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. God keeps saying, “Stop. Don’t rush this. There is a reason why I am giving you months instead of days or weeks.” A quote shared by a friend has been so helpful: "Don't reach the conclusion until you come to the conclusion".
Jesus’ fingerprints are all over this sabbatical. God is sending me back to the most meaningful places in my life. He is assigning some of my favorite locations. He is giving me precious silence, ocean, mountains, wildlife, and sprinkling this sabbatical with wonderful friends and other strategic encounters along the way.
I am only able to do this because of the amazing, incredible, stunning generosity of friends who have opened their homes for me to use, given toward this sabbatical, helped me with complicated travel logistics, and provided in so many ways for this much needed prayer pilgrimage. How can I ever thank you?
A huge thank you to the Sabbatical Prayer Team who have listened and prayed for me through the highs and lows and wows and blessings and bumps of this journey so far. Having this family behind me has helped me process each step and has reassured me on so many levels to know that people are consistently praying for me.
Hang tight and stay tuned: I will be back in November (which will be here before we know it). I’m excited to see how God will use this sabbatical to teach all of us. In the meantime, I have to share this song again, since it keeps echoing in my head: https://youtu.be/qbEB0QFsqN8
Jesus draw me ever nearer,
As I labor through the storm.
You have called me to this passage,
And I'll follow, though I'm worn.
May this journey bring a blessing,
May I rise on wings of faith;
And at the end of my heart's testing,
With Your likeness let me wake.
Jesus guide me through the tempest;
Keep my spirit staid and sure.
When the midnight meets the morning,
Let me love You even more.
May this journey bring a blessing,
May I rise on wings of faith;
And at the end of my heart's testing,
With Your likeness let me wake.
Let the treasures of the trial
Form within me as I go
And at the end of this long passage,
Let me leave them at Your throne.
May this journey bring a blessing,
May I rise on wings of faith;
And at the end of my heart's testing,
With Your likeness let me wake.
(Keith Getty / Margaret Ellen Becker)
May this journey bring a blessing to ALL of us.
Much love,
Linda