It's Time to Refresh!

Isn’t it amazing when God gives you a vision of something and you begin to see it manifest right before your very eyes? That’s what our Refresh Women’s Retreat is for me – the manifestation of a vision God gave me years ago. Ask any lady who’s attended in the past and they’ll give you several reasons why you should attend this year. Let me just share with you a little about what you can expect:

Rest. This is the basis upon which Refresh was birthed. When God revealed to me how tired His daughters are, He also gave me a vision of creating an opportunity for us to get away and get some much needed rest. Matthew 11:28 AMPC says, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.]” Rest is not something that’s going to come automatically. It must be intentional and purposeful. Life is inconsiderate. It’s not going to slow down to allow you time to rest, so, you have to make time for it. If the Creator of the universe Himself purposed to make time to rest, how much more so should we?

Energize. When I say energize here, I’m not talking about the kind of boost you get when you guzzle down an energy drink. I’m talking about a supernatural kind of energy – the kind God gave to Elijah when he outran Ahab’s chariot (see 1 Kings 18). Some of the things God is asking His daughters to do in this day are going to require a supernatural strength and energy that can only be given by God. Refresh is a great place to come get a dose.

Fellowship. One of the questions that’s so frequently asked amongst believers is, “Why don’t we see the kind of supernatural works like they saw in the Book of Acts?” Well in Acts 2, it tells us how the Holy Spirit came, how Peter preached and thousands got saved, and then we jump right to the part that talks about the miracles, signs and wonders. We completely skim by verse forty-two which says, “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Fellowship has always been a part of the equation to the supernatural. Unity is a catalyst for multiplication. We cannot on our own accomplish the fullness of what God has for us to do in the earth. That’s why we need each other and it all begins with fellowship.

Reflect. When was the last time you actually paused long enough to truly reflect? To reflect on the goodness of God and all He’s done for you. To reflect on where you’ve been, where you are and where you’re going. To reflect on the instructions God has given you and where you stand in terms of obedience. With the slowed-down pace of a retreat, you not only have time to be fed spiritually but you also have time to digest and give some much needed deep and careful thought about what it is God is saying to you.

Encounter God. One of the most consistent comments I keep hearing about Refresh is that it’s one of the most spiritual experiences many of the ladies have ever had. What that specifically means probably is a little different for each individual, but what it means overall is always the same… God shows up! Yes, we can encounter God at home or at our place of worship, but there’s just something about getting away from all the distractions and the cares of this world that opens the door to the opportunity to encounter Him in a whole new way.

Sleep. Now I can hear some of you saying, “Keidra, you already mentioned rest. Why are you saying it again?” Well, that’s just it. Sleep and rest are not synonyms. They’re two totally different things. And because we don’t know the difference, we don’t realize when we’re not getting one or the other. The Bible says God never slumbers or sleeps and yet it tells us He rested from all His work on the seventh day of creation. God doesn’t need sleep because He’s not human – He is Spirit. So, I believe, sleep restores your physical man but rest restores your spirit man. Just because you’re sleeping, doesn’t mean you’re resting. And just because you’re resting, doesn’t mean you’re getting a good night’s sleep. During Refresh, we have the opportunity to enjoy both.

Have some fun! Cyndi Lauper said it best… Girls just want to have fun! Who said you can’t love Jesus and have fun at the same time? Whether it’s a game night, a spontaneous dance session, a bowling challenge or just sitting down having a good laugh around the fireplace, there is much fun to be had and memories to be made during our weekend together.

So let’s see…

Rest.

Energize.

Fellowship.

Reflect.

Encounter God.

Sleep.

Have some fun.

If this wasn’t needed, God wouldn’t have instructed me to do it. The dates for Refresh2020 are April 17th–19th. If you register by February 1st you can save 10%. You can go to www.keidrahobley.com and register today. With all I’m sensing God wants to do in 2020, you’re not going to want to miss this event. I’m so looking forward to seeing you there!

Questions to Ask

·      Are you willing to set aside time to rest, energize, fellowship, reflect, encounter God, sleep, and have some fun? If so, are you ready to register for Refresh?

·      If your life has been enriched by attending Refresh in the past, what two ladies will you invite to attend with you this year?

Scriptures to Study

·      Matthew 11:28

To go even deeper, get your copy of one or all of our Everyday Wisdom Book Series and subscribe to our Everyday Wisdom Podcast.