Good morning, everyone.
Our verse for today comes from Acts 9:40, ‘But Peter put them all out, and knelt down and prayed. And turning to the body he said, ‘Tabitha, arise.’ And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up.”
As wonderful as vacations are, we all know there is a price to be paid for taking them. Besides the obvious financial aspect, to be away from one’s job for some length of time can put a heightened sense of urgency to get things done before you leave town. So, the days leading up to your departure, despite the anticipation and excitement that builds, can be full of longer hours and added pressure. And then, once the vacation has concluded, another situation awaits you. Being gone has allowed for work to pile up and greet you upon your return with much catching up to be done. Similarly, the last several months have brought about a whole new world in relation to work and leisure. Many have been forced to work from home, if they have been fortunate enough to retain their jobs, while others have been given the opportunity to work remotely on some alternate form of schedule if that suits their situation or appeases any uneasiness about being exposed to the virus. As my work has allowed the remote option, I have relished the opportunity to work a few days each week from home and not have to go through the routine of going to the office and spending all day there. But a side effect of being at home for part of the week is that it makes it more difficult to jump back into my old ways and set up shop at my desk rather than in my home.
I’ve wondered before about the impact and dynamics of Lazarus being dead and with the Lord for four days before Jesus called him back to continue his life back on broken, sinful Earth. Likewise, Tabitha had experienced something of the indescribable glory of being in her eternal home and was brought back to her jar of clay in Joppa. What that was like we will probably never know. But it is likely that you have had to or will have to go from your more comfortable place to a situation that is less desirable. You may even be there right now, whether emotionally, relationally, or financially. And if so, how has your time with the indescribable Lord prepared you? Is He there with you in peace and power, or has distance gotten in the way?
As we seek Him today, let Jesus impact your situation rather than your situation impacting you and Jesus.
Have a great Thursday.
#4 Rich Holt
Dad of Ripken, Koy, TrishaJean, Samantha, Kakie Holiday and Raleigh
Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them.
