A Life in Exile

I realize that in writing for people serving around the globe, the topic of today’s post may not fit perfectly in line with your current season of the year. Still, as I’m watching buds and blooms make themselves known in Tennessee, I think the topic of spring is important for Christians living and serving in hard places, even if it’s in their hometown.

I’m also writing this post a couple of days after the “spring forward” time change, and so, though I love the increase of sunshine, my brain is not as happy with the loss of a precious hour of sleep. This negative thought reminds me as well, that spring comes as the season of Lent begins. No, I’m not Catholic, but I do realize that with all the beauty and excitement of spring, we spend this time as well reflecting on our sin and brokenness that led to our Lord’s beating and sacrifice on the cross.

So why is spring important to us as believers?

Our amazing God created this world to point to him. Just as one cannot help but wonder at what amazing power it took to create the universe; he uses the changing seasons to remind us that our lives go through seasons of death and rebirth.

After the cold and darkness of winter, spring reminds us that trials and troubles are temporal. The periods in ministry when we see no fruit, have spiritual dry-spells, and even doubt whether we’re cut out for this work do not last forever. In our spiritual wilderness times, the Lord brings a friend, a verse, or a sermon to reignite our souls. We are reminded that he has never left our side and continues to have great plans for us.

Whatever that spark of the Spirit’s work may be, he enables us to shake off the doldrums through confession and renewal to press on in the good fight for his kingdom. For many who serve overseas, it is the time on furlough or stateside assignment that helps us to reevaluate, refill, and readjust our thoughts and attitudes. This is spring for many who have known the seasons of service and just need to see some green—spiritually and physically.

I know that service in literal desert places leaves a longing for what grass and flowers and trees can bring to the soul. It’s refreshing and invigorating. It might be what you need.

Pushing through the rocky soil.

I redid my back garden last fall, pulling out plants and adding rocks to give it a cleaner look and to avoid having to pull up weeds. (I’m lazy at heart, when it comes to gardening). Anyway, though I thought I had pulled up all the bulbs and plants, lo and behold, what did I see this March? Several tulips and day lilies pushing through the plastic and rocks to show me just how resilient and tough they are.

That’s what spring does. It reveals which plants have persevered through winter and are determined to show their beauty once again. It’s the same way with the spring of the soul. Yes, it may have been a cold winter. Perhaps you thought grief would sweep you away. Maybe your wilderness of wandering took you to the brink of despair with the end of ministry just around the corner. But God, through his Word, your spouse, colleague, friend, or the still small voice of the Spirit said, “Hold up. I’m not done with you yet.” When you stopped to listen, he renewed your strength and enabled you to push through past the sin, the hurt, the grief—the stones—to press on in anticipation of what he wanted to do in and through you.

He gives strength to the faint and strengthens the powerless. Youths may become faint and weary, and young men stumble and fall, but those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not become weary, they will walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:29-31 CSB)

Put some spring in your step.

I’m not pretending that we don’t get tired in ministry—in the Christian life, for that matter. We do. I’ve been there. I’ve passed through the dark winter of the soul, the days in the wilderness, and even just the overwhelming tiredness that comes with living a poured-out life. For this reason, I think it’s important to make the most of the bright, positive, invigorating days of spring.

Jesus knew he had three years to accomplish the ministry the Father gave him. He pushed hard in those first two years, healing, preaching, teaching his disciples. As he shifted toward the final turn toward Jerusalem, you could tell the weight was getting heavy, and with good reason. Still, he pressed on.

“We must do the works of him who sent me while it is day. Night is coming when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” (John 9:4-5)

Unlike Christ, we don’t know how many years the Lord gives us in a certain place, among a specific people group, or even here on this earth. What we do know is that during those times when we are energized by his Spirit, we need to use them to the greatest advantage.

Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk—not as unwise people but as wise—making the most of the time, because the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:15-16)

Act wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time. (Colossians 4:5)

Are you in a spiritual season of winter or spring? How you answer will determine your next steps with the Lord. I’m grateful that even in the darkest, coldest, rainiest of days, we can live and serve out of the spring and light of the Spirit of Christ in us. Our spiritual season is not dependent on what is happening outside our window but inside our hearts.

Grace and Peace

If you missed the last Mission Monday post, click HERE, or check out these other posts on seasons in service: Gems from Genesis: Chapter 35, Shades of Dying, Fallow Fields, Spring, and Bloom where you are planted.