Oceans in the Desert

By Kathi Pelton

A manger has been prepared— not for our Messiah but you. As you rest the the manger of his refuge and love, angels are bringing gifts from heaven to present to you— gold, frankincense and myrrh— just like the wise men brought to Jesus. The gold representing your authority in Christ (His Kingship), the frankincense representing your priesthood in Christ and the myrrh representing the healing of your wounds by His stripes and blood. He has made a resting place for us and sends heavenly gifts to restore you. He is giving rest to the weary, healing the of wounds of the broken, and the anointing of surrender is making way for his authority and priesthood to rest upon you.

Striving and fear is broken off of you in this place of rest and there is a stillness that comes upon you as you surrender to enter into his rest. It is here that you become a resting place for the fullness of Christ to dwell in you and pour through you to all who come near. This is a manger for your as you surrender to his Spirit. Even in busy lives— you can allow your soul and spirit to find rest and refuge in his rest.

You need not strive to earn or obtain all the authority that Jesus secured, for that merely creates a weariness that has human limitations. Striving only serves to produce an intensity that has the strength of man— wearing those around you down as well. Striving stops up the flow of mercy and grace that has been freely given to us. It is time to do as Hebrews 4:11 says,

“Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience.”

Though our whole world feels like a raging storm, I believe that we are to be like Jesus, who rested in the boat during the storm. He knew that nothing would happen to him that did not align with his Father’s will. He also knew that even the wind and waves obey his voice— likewise, the wind and waves of the global turmoil all around us will also obey his voice.

To rest is to surrender to trust. To cease striving is to trust him even when it appears that he is sleeping through the storm. He’s inviting you into the manger of his faithfulness where you will be swaddled in his loving arms. Where angels have been assigned to bring gifts from above that heal you, restore you and provide for you.

Remember the words of Zachariah,

‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’
Says the Lord of hosts.
‘Who are you, O great mountain?
Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain!
And he shall bring forth the capstone
With shouts of “Grace, grace to it!” ’
Zechariah 4:6-7

You can lay in the manger that He has prepared. You will find your home and resting place there and watch his Spirit transform you as you allow your life to be still and trust that HE ALONE IS GOD.

“O LORD, if you heal me, I will be truly healed; if you save me, I will be truly saved. My praises are for you alone!” Jeremiah 17:14

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