As I write this the year has effectively ended. I remember that at the beginning of this year one of the things I said to myself I will and must do is take moments and rest. The reason why it was important for me to rest was because the previous year was such a roller coaster that I didn’t get to rest much and I could tell it affected me in many ways. So my mind-set and plan was to rest.
It is December 16th, and I had thought I would have closed down on work by now. But that hasn’t happened and that is why I am bold to share that rest is not a lack of work, but a labour to enter. I came to learn in the course of the year that while physical rest is important and we must plan to take it. Spiritual rest is even more important.
So what do I mean by Spiritual rest? Well, nothing as weird or sinister as you might be thinking. This rest that I talk about is not something that has to do with sitting still or sleeping, it rather refers to the state of my spiritual well-being in the course of the year.
The woman who understands the concept of REST as God ordained it realises that it is not about what has worked or hasn’t worked. Rather it is about how much of the presence of God she carries with her wherever she goes or whatever she does. Rest I have come to realise is not about what I did or didn’t do instead it is about the fact that from the foundation of the earth, God ordained for man to rest so man will learn trust and faith.
Rest is a mind-set; it is received yet worked for. To operate in rest, we must partner with God, knowing and relying on his faithfulness and character. Rest is a weapon; the woman who operates in rest does so as a declaration of faith in the God who makes all things work.
Rest is the ability to delight in the Lord regardless of what we face.
Rest according to Graham Cooke is rooted in obedience because God didn’t say to rest when all things are working for good. Rest I learnt is my commitment to stop trying to do something and rather receive with thanksgiving and take delivery of what God has ordained.
The more I reviewed my 2014, the more I realised just how many times I had to stop and take a deep breath and remind myself to rest. Did I do well?I dare say I did better than I did the previous year.
The most important thing I learnt in this last year is that REST is learnt; it is something I had to deliberately choose on a daily basis. Labouring to enter rest was my statement and commitment to trust God regardless of what I see in the physical.
And as one year rolls into another; I rejoice with you that we are still here. I commend to you the discipline of REST. I know the happenings around the world scream unrest; and that is why we must model rest. Because in the end, what can we do for ourselves really? Who do we know that can safeguard us except the Lord?
We have dug deep to bring you an edition that I do hope will put 2014 in perspective for you as you prepare for 2015. Our God’s Leading Lady is Crystal Olasumbo Chigbu; she had to learn REST and is bringing rest to others. Her story will inspire you. All our usual is served and we do hope you will share with your friends and Sistas.
Rest is the reason I can sleep at night and it is not confidence in what I can see but it is confidence in who I know sees me.
As I wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us here; we thank God that REST is not on sale…and as we believe for the best year ever in 2015, make a commitment to rest no matter what happens, because rest is our delight in a God who saves.
Blessings!
Bidemi