Apart With Jesus Only

I was talking with a friend about the Father's love for us. His thoughts for us. How much he loves us, how much he wants us to be happy in Jesus. Here is one of His thoughts:

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. (3 John 1:2)

Yet, sometimes we face certain things in life and we can't help but experience feelings that can affect our spiritual health:

... restless longing, or strain, or stress, or fret, or chafings at Thy dealings, or thoughts of vain regret...

Sometimes the Lord allows some things to happen to help us reflect on the need for rest. He knows our frailty, He knows we wrestle with the desire "to make things happen", to work just a little longer. When this happens, the Master's voice quietly speaks to our hearts:

... Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while... (Mark 6:31)

My thoughts went back several years ago, when I learnt that a young missionary family serving in Mongolia, returned home because the husband was ill. I loved that missionary family, and I would check the magazine I received monthly looking for articles on their ministry. But the Lord called them back home. In their last article - written by the husband -, there was a picture where he was standing in front of a hut, waving good bye. Not long after the printing of that article, he was laid to rest in Jesus.

I pray that the Father gives us all long lives so we can serve Him until His Son comes in the clouds of heaven. I also pray that we learn the importance of " ... come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while..." in the quiet and solitude, "apart with Jesus only."

On that last article that young missionary shared a poem also that, since then, has become dear to my heart. I felt impressed to share it with you here. May it be a blessing to you, as you ponder upon it.

I laid it down in silence, this work of mine, and took what had been sent me - a resting time.
The Master's voice had called to rest apart; "apart with Jesus only," echoed my heart. 

I took the rest and stillness from His own hand, and felt this present illness was what He planned.
How often we choose labor, when He says "rest" - Our ways are blind and crooked; His way is best.

The work Himself has given, He will complete. There may be other errands for tired feet;
There may be other duties for tired hands, the present is obedience to His commands.

There is a blessed resting in lying still, in letting His hand mould us, just as He will.
His work must be completed. His lesson set; He is the higher Workman: Do not forget!  

It is not only "working" we must be trained; and Jesus "learnt" obedience, through sufferings gained.
For us His yoke is easy, His burden light. His discipline most needful, and all is right. 

We are but under-workman; they never choose, If this tool or if that one their hands shall use.
In working or in waiting may we fulfill, not ours at all, but only the Master's will!