Acknowledging When We Are Ill, Sometimes It Is ‘Not The Season For Figs’

“Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs.” (Mark 11:13)

I have lived with rheumatoid arthritis since the age of twenty-four, eighteen years now. After going through the cycle of grief many times with each new loss, learning effective ways to cope, and finding God’s calling through this thorn in the form of a ministry, one would think that daily frustrations over the little things would be something I have conquered.

But I still get angry when I see advertisements showing women with my illness in cute high heel shoes. I will never wear anything but orthopedic shoes and those photos seem deceptive, even mean-spirited.

For me, it is not the season for red high heels. In fact, that season may never come around again. But I have learned that many set backs are just for a season. And while I am trying to get through a winter, I may not bear fruit that is obvious, but God is using the time to draw me closer to Him; to give me insulation from my own expectations; to provide me with a time of hibernation from others expectations.

Spring always comes. It may come in the form of new relationships, a fun event, or just a refreshed sense of God in our life. And yes, despite the sun shining and the flowers blooming, we may not get to put on sandals and have all our prayers answered. We may be slugging through those spring showers in our orthopedic shoes.

Prayer: Lord help me to know that You have my very best already prepared for me and that just because I may suffer at this moment, does not mean You have glanced away. You always know what my needs are. . . and some days it’s just not the season for the things I most desire.

About the Author:
Lisa Copen is the woman behind Rest Ministries. She started in her bedroom office in 1997 when she was unable to find Christian support for living with a chronic illness. She has had rheumatoid arthritis since 1993 and has had the worst season in her last three months physically. She’s ready for spring! You can see what books Lisa has written at http://lisacopensbooks.com . ALL proceeds (100%) support our ministry!