5 Ways Rest Will Win The Battle
Rest does not come natural for me - like not even a tiny bit. Recently I fought some sickness, for over two weeks I had to rest. If I tried to walk around too long my lungs would tighten and I couldn’t take a deep breath without an inhaler. I’m not sure how many times my husband had to lovingly remind me that, the more you rest the faster you heal. My healing process has required intense prayer and consistent rest.
“I will rest in your promises, my confidence is your faithfulness!” Love the powerful lyrics in the song, “Yes and Amen”. This is a truth we can embrace with confidence - He is faithful. As the Bible (and the song) teaches us, the God we serve pours out grace and fills us with peace, He pulls us from the ashes and breaks every curse, He’s a father of kindness and sets the captives free.
What does it look like to rest in His promises? Well, I believe we can actively rest and that’s not just my ADHD tendencies talking either.
When we sing and wholeheartedly declare to God, “I will rest in your promises, my confidence is your faithfulness” we’re actually waging war. The enemy challenges us with anxiety and restless nights. We’re bombarded with fear-filled news articles currently about all things Corona Virus, yet if we choose to say, “I will rest” - we gain ground in the battlefield.
We can show the enemy that he’s not ruffling our feathers, we have confidence in God’s faithfulness.
“I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone Lord, make me dwell in safety.” Psalm 4:8
In early March I heard the Lord say, “Get ready”. You can read more about that in my last blog post HERE. In early April my sister Abbey, (my prayer partner who spends intense time with Jesus) heard the words, “Prepare for suffering”. This isn’t the first time God has given His people these messages. But are we ready?
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
In Him we can have peace and confidence because we know He has overcome the world - He has the victory! We can look back and see how those before us were ready to be a part of God’s work or what they did that prepared them for suffering. Consistently, I see active rest in their habits.
How do we actively rest when waiting for breakthrough or for strength to endure physical, mental or financial suffering?
5 Ways Rest Will Win The Battle
We worship and pray - like Paul and Silas did in prison before their chains fell off.
We fast - like Esther did before she risked her life to free her people.
We wait with expectation in God’s presence - like Anna did for him to fulfill His promises.
We fervently study God’s words - like Ezra as he helped lead his people out of exile.
We lay down and sleep with confidence - like Jesus did before he calmed the storm.
“My presence will go with you and I will give you peace.” Exodus 33:14
Each of us face different challenges in this season. I urge you to press into His presence and listen for His voice. We’re in a spiritual battle and I guarantee you that your job is essential.
Please don’t waste these moments. Countless are suffering. Many are questioning what they believe. Children are watching, waiting for us to equip them and they too have much to teach us. There’s a war waging for the eternity of many souls and we must grasp the reality that the outcome - is influenced by our actions.
When we collectively silence the noises igniting fear and instead declare, “I will rest”, we embrace one of the greatest weapons in the battle we’re facing - faith.
A faith that doesn’t wilt when we suffer - but instead the roots deepen. This kind of faith will fuel us for the daily courage and strength we need to: rise up, persevere, serve and to sacrifice in the ways He calls us to. A faith that flows from a place of rest.
As we face many unknowns, I’m choosing to actively rest by faith and let me tell you friend, it’s not natural and it’s rarely easy, but I know it wins the battle - will you join me?
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1
It is by faith you stand firm.” 2 Corinthians 1:24b
Hi, I’m Jaime!
Prayer warrior, writer, and speaker in love with Jesus, my Jed, and our 3 Rowdy Redcays. Friend, I long to see you set free. Delivered from the chains that hold you back, compelled to navigate this journey as a fearless warrior. Where does that happen? In the embrace of Jesus!
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