When I was discharged on post-op day 4 from the hospital after my open heart bypass 
surgery, I thought the healing was done. I was ready for rehab! You know, rehab that would include the treadmill, walking on the bike path, & even lifting some light weights to keep my upper body in tone. In fact, I did go to the mall for a 2 hour walk followed by a brief rest before going to the bike path for a 1-mile walk. I felt great… until the next day, & the day after & the day after & the day after.
I finally realized that I needed to heal before I could rehab! And healing requires rest. Yes, part of the healing includes walking. But the walking while needing to rest includes 6 small walks per day with lots of rest in between each walk. Open heart surgery is a traumatic event to the human body. It needs to rest in order to exercise.
I should know this. Rest is a major spiritual theme throughout the Scripture. According to the creation story in Genesis, God created Adam & Eve on the 6th day which means their first full day of life was filled with REST on the 7th day. Even the daily cycles in Genesis are recorded as the “evening & the morning” making up each day. That means our day actually is to begin with rest before we work! And then Jesus said, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) Yes, before we can have healing or renewal or even think about rehab, we need REST!
I initially tried to rehab before my body had healed through adequate rest. I find that I do the same thing in my spiritual life. When I have a sin from which I need to heal, I want to go straight to rehab. I want to read self-help books, engage my willpower, & try to change my behavior. But if I am to recover from sin, to fully heal from it, I must first rest in Jesus. I need to contemplate on His life, pray for His power, & rest in His promises. After all, Jesus is the One who heals. So I am learning to rest in Jesus allowing Him to heal not only my physical heart, but my sinful heart as well. And then I’ll be ready for rehab!
Comments on: "Resting to Heal" (5)
My God bless you Eric, as you rest & heal. You are in my prayers, love ya! Brenda
Been there-done that!! I think our impatient human nature takes over….I always think I am ready before my body is and I usually reap the consequences…rest and heal…from the inside out! It doesn’t matter what the sports heros do, it only matters to your body what you do! Nadine
Thanks for your willingness to share about rest. I am not getting enough of it here lately since I started my business.
God’s blessings to you as you heal from a serious surgery.
Karen K. Brashear
To rest in God in order to have successful permanent change. Not my own self but the power of the holy spirit
Thanks for those thoughtful words, Eric. You’re right on with the rest perspective. Hope you’re doing well and I “understand” what you’re going through. Remember it does get better!