Thursday, September 18, 2008

a second wind

Yesterday I was tired as usual at work. Really haven't been getting enough sleep. Didn't get a nap like I like to when I got home, but seemed to pick up "a second wind" late in the afternoon into the evening, as Deb and I walked to the public library not far from our house to return some items and pay a fine.

This "second wind" reminds me of God's faithful working in my own life in Jesus. Often I am rather quite winded, and out of breath as far as my Christian life goes. But by the Spirit, God gives me that "second wind" to keep me carrying on, motivated to follow Jesus in this world with the community of God's people in mission. I notice that that is frequent. This wind seems to come through many ways. Sometimes a person needs more sleep. God does give his loved ones sleep. Sometimes it comes through the prayer of another. Perhaps it's just our Lord's intercessory work in prayer for us.

This is the Breath of God which not only puts us on our feet, but makes us want to do God's will no less, than helps us do it.

What thoughts would you like to add to this?

7 comments:

Crowm said...

This is something I really struggle with. Often times, when I need some down time, I feel guilty for not getting anything done. Much of my problem is not knowing how to say "no". There are many good things going on that I simply don't have time for. Even though I've gotten better over the years, I still haven't arrived in this area.

Having that sabbath rest or a second wind is always refreshing. It's something I definitely need.

Thanks Ted!
Mike

Anonymous said...

with my husband busy with marketing and going into harvest, and my homeschooling of our daughter and this year being the first for that, i woke this morning to many things that were calling out (shouting actually) to be done. it was quite overwhelming for a moment.

what you have written here has acutally been very helpful for my day.

praise God.

God's love and peace to you and deb, and your family.

preacherman said...

Ted,
I think there are many times that God gives us those second winds that we need in our spiritual life. Every time God gives me that second wind I am thankful. I even think God gives second winds when it comes to relationships, open doors, our faith, and on and on....Thank you so much for this wonderful post. I needed to read this today. It has given me a second wind. God bless you brother and all you do with your ministry and this blog. I know your blog has been such a blessing to my spiritual life.

Ted M. Gossard said...

I hear you, Mike, on that. I used to never know how to say no, but now I'm better at it. I'm much more intent now in seeking that Sabbath Rest you speak of here, and seeking to live in it, in Jesus.

Thanks!

Ted M. Gossard said...

Nancy,
Thanks. And the same to you and yours.

And oh yes, I know I can feel overwhelmed most every day, as well. Good to take on step at a time in Jesus and to get that second wind from the Spirit.

Ted M. Gossard said...

Kinney,
Thanks, brother. You are a blessing and an encouragement to me and many others, in Jesus.

Hope you're feeling better.

Diane said...

Hi Ted,

What a good reminder that we do need rest and that it comes from God. Thanks for this post.