Season of Refresh Revisited
By Joyce Wachsmuth --
On March 15, 2019, some of you may remember that I wrote a blog on the “Season of Refresh” that began with a new sermon series, “Greater” for Sunday mornings. Pastor Jay began the series with Genesis and took us through the Old Testament. As we finished the Old Testament, we were encouraged to see how our story interconnects with God’s story. Then, we were encouraged to have a Season of Refresh as we prepared for Easter.
This is what I wrote in the blog. “I really enjoyed hearing about the Season of Refresh as I prepare for Easter. I believe it is a season also of renewal and a refocus on Jesus. A Season of Refresh, I believe, may include more time to reflect and concentrate on the intimacy with Christ.”
About a week from writing this blog I was diagnosed with pneumonia and had to be on bedrest for a while with antibiotics and medication. I wouldn’t say I had a Season of Refresh right away, but in time I realized that God was showing me to “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). I don’t know about you, but I get restless and impatient when I get sick. I really don’t like being sick! Suffering, whether it is physical, emotional, or spiritual, humbles us before God as we pray for healing and relief. We were told by the doctor that it would be at least seven weeks to recover. I needed REST. I was glad for the NCAA basketball playoffs for the first ten days, because I was occupied in watching something I enjoyed. By the way, I need the prize for attempting to watch all the games! To be honest I did fall asleep on some of them because of the medication.
Why do I call this blog, “Season of Refresh Revisited”? It is because my heart became drawn to my intimate relationship with Jesus during my recovery from pneumonia. First of all, being sick was beyond my control. I had to submit to His way in my life. This time being sick I found myself being refreshed in the Word, because I took my time to ponder what I was learning instead of just trying to do the assignment for my Bible study on Tuesday mornings. I began to experience a deeper hunger for prayer. Being sick made me pray diligently for others who are suffering. Also, the Holy Spirit led me to go through a 31-day prayer book. I was led to pray for different people and groups of people each day. Praying scriptures over each of the relationships, ministries, and, really, seeking the Lord behind closed doors has been a new way of praying for me.
In this Season of Refresh, I experienced the love and support of my husband, Doug, and family and those in our community. We appreciated the wonderful meals that were brought to us as well as cards and flowers. I appreciated the prayers of our community. My season of refresh was experienced because of your prayers.
Once I began to feel better, I made myself use caution as I returned to the routines of life (as well as my husband reminding me to allow full recovery!). I need to be aware of how “slowing down” is important for keeping my soul refreshed in Jesus. To not be caught up with distractions that take away the joy and contentment of my daily living with Jesus takes work. I need to be intentional if I want to be healthy in my spiritual walk with Jesus. It doesn’t have to come from being sick, but Jesus can use anything to get our attention.
It was pure joy to be back at church for the last two weeks. I would not have chosen the circumstance of being sick, but I can truly say I am refreshed in Jesus. God used this circumstance to prepare me for Easter, and I truly rejoice in His resurrection in my life.
See you Sunday!
Joyce Wachsmuth
P.S. Reminder: The Aging Well and Planning For The Future Workshops are this Saturday, 9am-1pm. Register online or at the door: $5.00 pre-registration and $6.00 at the door. You may choose three workshops: Brain Health, Downsizing, Alzheimers and Dementia, Depression and Anxiety, Driving Safety, Balance, and Wills and Trust.