Recover, Reconnect, Rejoice 

The world is still going through the worst pandemic in living memory. When I cast my mind back to last year, I remember the fear, devastation, and death all around us, everywhere It makes me stop to thank God for his mercies. If not for the love and mercies of God, we would have been consumed (Lamentations 3:22).

The vaccines are answers to prayer. I know some people don't attribute the rapid development of the vaccines to God, but I do. Thank God for all the scientists and researchers involved in the development of the vaccines, but they are not ultimately responsible for them. The knowledge and wisdom involved in their development is God given.  The scientists' every breath, their very lives are God's. So, again I say, thank God for the vaccines, they are answers to prayers!

Now, we are in a position where the virus is still potent and still killing people, but we have a fighting chance with the vaccines, in fact, we have more than a fighting chance, for with God, victory is assured. What does victory look like? It's not a time when the virus is completely eliminated and there is zero risk of catching COVID. If that's what you are waiting for to live again, your life will be on hold perpetually. No, victory looks like FAITH in the saving grace of our Lord Jesus who is able, not just to save our bodies but our souls.

The Lord spoke to us about this season. It's a season of Recovery. A time to recover from the devastation, sickness and grief - a time to heal physically and spiritually. A time to Reconnect with God at a deeper level, to forsake our sins, turn to God and seek his face in prayer and his word. A time to Reconnect with one another, to enjoy fellowship, interactions and feel the sense of being a part of that supernatural community of love again.

It is also a time to Rejoice in the Lord, to worship and sing his praise and to develop a thankful heart that ponders more on what God has done, rather than what we want him to do. For our victory lies in thankfulness and ascribing to God the praise that is due to him so that when he is lifted up in our hearts, homes, and churches, we will see him for who he truly is and he will draw people unto himself.

"Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you-even Jesus. Heaven must receive him until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets." (Acts 3:19-21)

The times of refreshing must be preceded by a turning to God wholeheartedly, repenting from idolatry - the things that takes the place of God in our hearts, or divides our loyalty and attention. When that happens, the result is not just divine visitation, but divine habitation. God comes to dwell, abide and reside in our hearts. That's how the 'times of refreshing' come.  

I have been and enjoyed my holiday with my family, but the rest and refreshing that comes from the fellowship of the Holy Spirit far outweighs that. It's more than relaxation on the beach on a sunny summer afternoon. It's better than a soothing and refreshing bath and far more breath-taking than gazing at the wonder of creation on the summit of the highest mountain. 

Listen to what Jesus said... "Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them." (John 14:23). When we love and obey Jesus, he will make our hearts his home. True recovery comes from reconnecting with our source. God is our source and the source of all things. Let's open the door of our hearts again to him, so that we may fully Recover, Reconnect and Rejoice!