Times of Refreshment

 "Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away. Then times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord, and he will again send you Jesus, your appointed Messiah." Acts 3:1-21

When the last hay bale hit its mark in the withering, dust-filled barn, we took our scratched-up dehydrated selves straight to the water pump. We pulled up the bright red handle and waited for that wondrously clear and cold water to pour out. There are few words that capture the impact of that water rushing over our steaming heads and down our parched throats. Satisfying, for sure. Restoring, yes. Life-giving, absolutely. Without a doubt, one of the most refreshing moments I can remember. 

Peter had just been used by the Lord to bring about just such a moment to a man who had labored with paralysis his entire life. He healed him. A life of begging, a life of unfulfilled dreams ended in a moment as his legs strengthened. He stood up and walked. Refreshed in a way that few others could understand, he jumped and danced and praised God! All around Peter were countless parched souls. He could see the need for a much deeper refreshment. Refreshment of the soul hung and hangs in the balance of his next words, "Turn away from your sins and turn to God."

We are all longing for refreshment. From the moment humanity turned from God, a thirst was unleashed. One day, Jesus looked into the eyes of a woman at a well who was acutely aware of her need for refreshment and told her he could give her living water. It finally and completely refreshed her dry and weary soul. God has made refreshment possible for us all. To fully take hold of it, we must walk away from all the impostors, distractions and dark corner behaviors. We must walk toward the Giver of refreshment, the One who will bring about the final restoration of all things. 

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