Leave It Alone!

There's an old saying that like most, is quite simple and yet, as I passed while scrolling through my social media feed that I was browsing last night, I was struck by it's profound insight... perhaps distracted by thoughts of the New Year.

The life instruction reads as follows:

"To heal a wound, you have to stop touching it."

I'm sure, like you, many things have transpired in 2017 that have done damage and pain, whether it be physical, emotional, psychological, financial, relational or spiritual. And while we promise, hope and pray that things will go and be better in 2018, it's hard not to mess with and be reminded by the issues that have resulted from the instances and moments that we would rather forget than relive.

Yet, by not leaving the wound alone to heal, we sabotage our effectiveness and progress in the area and arenas of life that are strong and whole. We keep trying to move forward while focusing on a matter that just might work itself out if we stopped messing with it.

And I understand, there's a balance at work. In the literal sense, there's a check-up and a care-taking to the process and that's fine. But more often than not, the healing takes longer than it should because we continue to interfere with the process.

So, on this #effectiveSunday, as we prepare to step into 2018, let's pray, that this would be a day that we leave the wounds of life alone. Pray the efforts of ministry and church life would not be hindered nor detoured by that which has gone wrong, but empowered by that which has gone right. Pray for a spirit of rejuvenation and revitalization as we enter this new year, stronger and more whole than ever before. Pray for a renewed resolve in our pursuit of the kingdom and righteousness of God. May that which was meant to destroy us be used to propel us into the abundant life that Christ came to present and fulfill for the redemption of humanity.

For a new day has dawned
And a new year awaits on the next horizon.
This is the day the Lord has made
Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
With every part of our being
Both that which is whole and broken.
We are His and for His glory.

- PNC