One of my toughest transitions ever was when we came back from Japan in 2004. I knew we weren’t finished in Japan, but I also knew I had to wait on God’s timing for going back. I returned to the U.S. thinking that while Donn went back to teaching at PSU, I’d do some of the things I’d done before─counseling, teaching, and worship team. But later when I went to my God-place in Presque Isle, God said, “Do not remember the former things for behold, I’m doing a new thing.” (Isaiah 43:18-19) And later still, “Are you willing to fast doing the things you love to do so you can do the things I need you to do?” So what was I supposed to do if I didn’t do the former things or the things I loved?

My mentor said, “You’ve just come from a busy season in Japan. You need to concentrate on being─we’re not human doings, we’re human beings.” So for seven long months, I concentrated on being, spending time in God’s Word and with my family, babysitting for a Bible study group who needed a sitter. During those months, I dealt with being misunderstood, similar to what my mother had said years before, Why would someone who has the ability to sing, teach, and counsel not be doing those things? Again, I had to choose whom I would please. After seven months, God called us to be the Country Prayer Champions for the nation of Japan. That was my priority (while Donn continued to teach) until our return to Japan in 2008. I was so glad I’d been obedient, not making a lot of other commitments I’d have had to break.

During those seven months after Japan, I dealt with all the issues that often come after a busy, exciting time of ministry. A let down is very common. We know that in I Kings 18 Elijah had the mighty stand off with the prophets of Baal, coming through victorious, but right afterward in I Kings 19,he is running for his life from Jezebel. He was depressed, angry, and frustrated, asking God to let him die. The encouraging thing is that God didn’t rebuke Elijah. Instead he sent an angel to take care of him, saying, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.” And then the angel gave him instructions about where to go and what to do.

So if you have some blue days, some discouraging days, after an exciting or demanding season, just know you’re in good company. Elijah, one of God’s greatest prophets did too. Make sure you eat well, get plenty of rest, and do things that will recharge your batteries. If you’re a “people person,” you may just want to hang out with friends. If you’re an introvert, you may want to give yourself space without too much people involvement if possible. And if your blue days turn into depression, seek out godly counsel and prayer so the enemy doesn’t get the upper hand.

Learning how to “be” is a coping skill that most of us need to practice more. Otherwise, we may begin to find our identity and value in what we “do” to such a degree that when this season of doing is over, we will no longer know who we are or where our value lies.

Help us, Father, to find our identity and our value in you rather than in what we do. May this statement become true of us: “The issue of my value is settled on the cross” (Rob Reimer).