Lessons from a Cast

Last week, I was released from my cast after a fall. It is wonderful to have the use of both hands! As I contemplated my freedom, it hit me that there are many lessons to be learned from my cast.

1. Sometimes, we need restrictions and rest for a time to heal. Mark 6:31 shows Jesus having the disciples take time to rest and recharge after much serving. Jesus Himself spent time alone with the Father. In our busy culture, we need to set both daily guidelines to allow for rest and time with God and periodic prolonged periods to recharge both physically and spiritually. These times could be seen as "casts" to allow healing. Just as my cast restricted me to allow rest and healing, my schedule restrictions allow rest and healing. 
2. While I had the cast, it was necessary to ask for more help than usual. It is easy to think that we can bear all of our burdens and do all ourselves. This can be pride. Galatians 6 shows how we are to bear each other's burdens as well as bearing our own. We should do what we can for ourselves and others, but also allow others to help us. The cast made this a necessity. I had to submit to others during this time. I Peter 5 addresses this humility of submitting to others, trusting God, and casting the care/burden on Him. 
3. The cast was uncomfortable and inhibited daily life. Many times, I simply wanted to remove the cast myself. I wanted comfort. In the same way, some of the things God brings into our lives are uncomfortable, but God uses them for His good. Psalm 71:20-25 tells how God brought trouble, but will revive us again. Oftentimes, the trouble serves to prepare us for a future task.
4. After the cast was removed, my skin needed much care to remove the dead and moisturize the dry skin. It hit me that if I hibernate away from others, my dead skin spiritually speaking is not removed. I need the interaction with other believers who will exhort and encourage me. If I am away from the water of the Word and not submitting to the oil of the Spirit, my spiritual life becomes very dry just as my skin did. I must take care to keep my spiritual life healthy! 
5. Slowly, my muscles and joints are gaining strength after their long rest. If I do not exercise my spiritual muscles and joints, they become weak and stiff. It takes time to build up the spiritual strength.

So many life lessons from just a few weeks in the cast. :)