God’s Spa

  • Home
  • About
  • Letters to Pastors’ Wives
  • Blog
  • Contact
Menu
  • Home
  • About
  • Letters to Pastors’ Wives
  • Blog
  • Contact
Search
Close this search box.
  • Meredith Sheppard
  • August 30, 2020

“Before a young woman’s turn came to go in to King Xerxes, she had to complete twelve months of beauty treatments prescribed for the women, six months with oil of myrrh and six with perfumes and cosmetics.” Esther 2:12

I read the book of Esther and think, ‘Twelve months of beauty treatments… That’s like a year at the spa.’ I don’t know about you, but I fully enjoy spa visits. That’s where I go to be pampered head-to-toe in a tranquil, soothing setting. Some of the services offered include scalp massage, facials, full body massage, body scrubs, body wraps, mud baths, manicures, pedicures, foot massage, hot tubs, and saunas.

If that sounds inviting, I want you to hold that image in your mind the next time you go through a trial. That may seem crazy but consider 1 Peter 4:12-13: “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.”

Saunas, whether steam or dry, are hot. Heat from the sauna relaxes the body’s muscles, improves circulation and stimulates the release of endorphins. Saunas cause you to sweat and release toxins, cleanse the skin, and release stress. God may use fiery trials in much the same way to rid our lives of dross and spiritual toxins or those things that have us bound. Remember the three Hebrew boys? Their ordeal in a fiery furnace left them unharmed and unbound. When onlookers peered in, four individuals were seen in the flames. We can go through a fiery trial in such a way that others see Jesus. (See Daniel 3)

And what about the many abrasives used at spas and at home? If your bathroom cabinets and drawers are anything like mine, you have nail files, emery boards, pumice stones, loofas, foaming facial scrubs, and body scrubs. All these things that are somewhat harsh and abrasive leave our skin silky smooth. That may be how God wants to use that rough, abrasive person, people, or situation in your life. They’re in your life to help smooth off your rough edges. “Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.” (Phl. 4:5)

Has someone ever rubbed you the wrong way? Perhaps someone’s words or behavior left you feeling like they walked all over you. Think massage—the rubbing and kneading of muscles and joints of the body with the hands, especially to relieve tension or pain. There are many types of massage techniques—Swedish, hot stone, aroma therapy, deep tissue, sports massage, shiatsu, reflexology, and others, commonly applied with hands, fingers, elbows, knees, forearms, or feet. My first Thai massage was actually in Thailand. Although fully clothed, my eyes popped open when my masseuse climbed up on the table with me, grabbed me by my wrists, and put her foot in my back. Then she held onto poles above her head and used her feet to apply pressure to my muscles. We get offended when folks “rub us the wrong way” or “walk all over us”. But at a spa we actually pay people for doing the same thing and then add a tip on top of it.

A great day at the spa can leave us longing for more, and a year of spa services sounds divine. But facing a yearlong fiery trial, dealing with abrasive people, having your name dragged through the mud, or being rubbed the wrong way over and over may just mean that you’re not only in ministry but in God’s spa. Persevere through the process. Allow God to purify, perfume, and perfect you.

This Post Has 8 Comments

  1. Lisa Reece August 30, 2020

    What a great way to think of trials. I will reach for this image when I need it. You were right in line with hubby’s sermon today as well. “The Paradox of Trials” James 1:12 Thank you, Lady Meredith.

    1. Meredith Sheppard August 30, 2020

      Yes, trials are both painful and purposeful.

  2. Wendy K August 31, 2020

    I’ve only been to spas a couple of times, so treatments just seemed like pampering indulgences. Your post reminded me of my last massages. They were excruciating, but muscle knots needed to be worked out, and that was the necessary process. I then remembered the one time I had extractions…..😓

    Ongoing pain can obscure so much. It’s difficult to focus on anything but the hurt. It was helpful to be reminded of the purpose in the process.

    1. Meredith Sheppard August 31, 2020

      Great point! Not everything that happens at the spa feels good, even when it’s good for us. However, there is “purpose in the process.” Thanks so much for sharing. 💕

  3. Patrice+Baker September 1, 2020

    Your word pictures are amazing! Love this post! It reminds me to trust the process. Thank you for these nuggets. Love you!

    1. Meredith Sheppard September 1, 2020

      Amen. Trust the process, it leads to God-ordained purpose! Love you too❣️

      1. Calvonia September 1, 2020

        I love exfoliating products. The outcome is so worth the process. We all need some spiritual detox and exfoliation in our lives.

        1. Meredith Sheppard September 1, 2020

          AMEN. And on a regular basis! 😍

Comments are closed.

PrevPrevious PostHidden In The House of God
Next PostShow Them Who You AreNext
Facebook Instagram Twitter

Copyright © 2023 Wives In Touch 

Copyright © 2023 Wives In Touch 

Facebook Instagram Twitter

Designed and Developed By

Designed and Developed byHummingbird Solutions