Day 20- Rest for Your Body and Soul
I am so grateful that my hubby, Ron, shared his call and heart for the Deaf with us yesterday. Most importantly his call to disciple our boys in voice and Sign Language. I wouldn’t want to do this crazy life God has called us to with anyone else. He’s my spiritual hero, best friend, amazing preacher/teacher, godly dad, and makes me laugh ALL-the-time! Okay y’all …I’m done gushing on my love.
I hope that Psalm 37:3-7 was an encouragement to you. Our hearts’ desires will become the same as Jesus if we continue to actively pursue His call for our lives…
I was now immersed in Deaf Ministry and learning to interpret. By the time my interpreting mentor (Chip) parted, I was able to make it all the way through a sermon. I had come a LONG way from the previous six months. But, the struggle was real…mistakes, mess-ups, and mishaps.
One Sunday our pastor was sharing a story about his sister and her doll. As I’m interpreting, I notice the Deaf start chuckling to themselves. You have to understand, this group of Deaf were so loving and tender in their corrections with my signing. So, I was a little shaken. It was not a funny story. I was puzzled.
After service, still chuckling, the Deaf explained that I had confused the sign for “doll” with the sign for “a male body part.” WELL…that’s embarrassing! Those of you that sign…you know exactly what I’m talking about. I must have turned 30 different shades of red.
Obviously, I needed more preparation in my signing and interpreting skills. So, I enrolled in a local Interpreter Training Program through a community college.
During this time. Ryan was doing so well. He was becoming more expressive with his sign skills and was beginning to produce discernible speech. Landon was three and all boy. He was quite the signing machine as well.
I had started teaching Landon Sign Language at age four months. He produced his first sign at age 8 months. That coupled with Ron’s developing sign skills, we were becoming a signing family. I believe it’s this attribute that endeared us to our Deaf church family. Back when we were making the decision to sign or not to sign, we had NO idea what The Lord was calling us to. We are so thankful for His sovereignty and leading.
While busy, we were in a season of rest…much needed rest.
- Read Matthew 7:24-27
In your own words, what do these verses mean to you?
What happened to the houses?
To build is a verb. It’s an action. On this Faith Journey we have been building a firm foundation of faith. When (not if) the storms and rains of life come, we can draw on the strength of our faith “built up” in us through Christ.
- Read Matthew 11:28-30
Who is Jesus calling to Himself? Why?
What does Jesus ask us to take?
After seasons of “building” our faith foundation through various trials, pain and trying circumstances, we need rest. We need rest for our souls not just our bodies. Our spirit man can become weary just like our physical bodies become weary. Jesus invites us to take up His yoke. His yoke is a double yoke. Meaning Jesus helps carry our burdens making the load lighter as we go… learning from His gentle, humble heart.
What season are you in right now?
Pray–You can ask The Lord for rest. He invites you to come to Him with your burdens. After the heavy building of our faith foundation, we need His rest for our body and soul.
Praying your yoke will be lighter on your Faith Journey today. Let Jesus help you carry it.
