Heed the Warning Signs

I was delighted when I received an email from a friend recently. I’d been waiting to hear from her, and that day I’d asked the Lord that I would. So, I was doubly blessed, because the Lord had answered me, and I hastily set about writing a reply to her. I was about half-way through the reply, which I was typing on my smartphone, when a notification popped up saying that the battery was low. I didn’t take too much notice of it, knowing that I had at least 11 per cent power left. I duly finished writing the email and was just reading through it to correct any typing mistakes when, suddenly, the screen went black, and the word ‘Goodbye’ appeared in white writing, and the phone closed down. It had run out of power and needed to be plugged into the mains to recharge the battery.

I hastily plugged it in and searched for my e-mail. My friend’s mail was there, but there was no trace of mine. I looked in my drafts folder, but no, it wasn’t there either. So, there was nothing else for it but to start again. I felt cross with myself. I should have taken action when I saw that warning notice.

I wonder, how often is it, as Christians, that we keep going and ignore God’s warning signs. Our bodies may be tired and shouting at us that they need a rest, or it may be that we’re cramming too many things into our days and not spending quality time with the Lord to be spiritually recharged and built up. In every case, be it physical, mental or spiritual weariness, Jesus is saying, “Come to me, all you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29).

Don’t be like me and ignore the warning signs. True, I wasn’t in danger – I just had to rewrite my e-mail. But it could be more serious if we ignore the Lord’s warning signs.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I want to thank You for Your love and care, and for being so patient with me. Please help me to be sensitive to You and to take Jesus’ yoke on me and let Him teach me. Help me to take notice when You warn me that I need to stop and rest and spend time with You. I don’t want to go on blindly and suffer the consequences. I ask this in Jesus’ name and for Your glory. Amen.