A Season of Mending: Rest and Restoration
Lately, I’ve dedicated more time each day being still in the presence of God -my TAG Time (time alone with God) – and the impact on my life has been remarkable. Of course, this decision was not without challenges. I am no different than anyone else battling busyness, distractions, weakness, and overwhelm. So, when a friend mentioned that I needed to take time to mend my nets, I took her advice to heart! I also spent time studying God’s Word on what it is to mend your nets.
In Matthew 4:18-22 AMP, we are told of the first disciples called to follow Jesus,
“As Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, He noticed two brothers, Simon who was called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. And He said to them, ‘Follow Me [as My disciples, accepting Me as your Master and Teacher and walking the same path of life that I walk], and I will make you fishers of men.’ Immediately they left their nets and followed Him [becoming His disciples, believing and trusting in Him and following His example]. And going on [further] from there He noticed two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets; and He called them [to follow Him as His disciples]. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him [becoming His disciples, believing and trusting in Him and following His example].”
Notice the first two men were casting their nets, the second two men were mending their nets. I find these words significant to our journey because we, too, will find ourselves casting (action and movement) or mending (rest and renewal) based on our season.
A Time to Mend
If you know me well, you know I can be a bit impatient in seasons of mending. I find it challenging to rest, although we are specifically called to rest. Why? Matthew 4 states, we are called to a time of casting our nets and a time for mending our nets. If we do not take time to repair our nets, our casting may be fruitless. So, it is essential to our calling that we understand the significance of restoring (mending) our minds and bodies for the journey.
When we cast our nets wide for the catch but do not take the time to inspect (reflect) and mend any possible tears in our nets, our yield will be minimal or ineffective. But, if we choose to spend time in rest and reflection, inspecting our nets for any wear, we can be assured our time of casting will be productive. Make sense?
Take a moment to reflect on a recent project or a current mission. Are you praying as you plan and prepare? Are you spending time in the presence of God? Psalm 143:8 AMP instructs us, “Let me hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, for I trust in You. Teach me the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to You.”
A Woman Who Fears the Lord
Who or what are you placing your trust in? Are you finding peace in the midst of everyday life? Are you hopeful for what each day will bring?
It’s no secret that women tend to take on more than they can handle. Let’s be honest, many of us strive to be the Proverbs 31 woman. Who doesn’t want to be clothed with strength and dignity? She rises early and prepares food for her family. She invests in real estate. She is strong. She serves those in need. She speaks with wisdom and loving instruction. Her children call her blessed, and her husband praises her. That’s some accomplishment!
The woman illustrated in Proverbs 31 is a beautiful example of a woman who knows when to cast and knows when to mend. She uses her gifts to bless those around her, and she is a wonderful steward of her time and resources. Most importantly, she fears the Lord. My translation is that she has a heart for God. The Proverbs 31 woman lives a God-centered life. She is obedient to God’s calling.
“Charm and grace are deceptive, and [superficial] beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the Lord [reverently worshiping, obeying, serving, and trusting Him with awe-filled respect], she shall be praised.” Proverbs 31:30 AMP
Anchored in Christ
As I spend more time mending my nets, I find the noise and overwhelm become less and less with each day. My days hold fewer distractions, and I have gained more clarity. There are still days where the storms come unexpectedly, and I am called to lay aside my nets and take time to rest. As with anybody, I am not shielded from challenging circumstances and the hardships of life that may come upon us at any given moment. But I do know that when I consistently spend time in the presence of God, my trust is unwavering because I am anchored in Him.
I hope you are anchoring your trust in God as well. I pray you will place your faith in God and God alone, not the things of this world.
“By faith [that is, with an inherent trust and enduring confidence in the power, wisdom and goodness of God] we understand that the worlds (universe, ages) were framed and created [formed, put in order, and equipped for their intended purpose] by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.” Hebrews 11:3 AMP
May your days of casting be followed by moments of mending.
Keep on shining!
