by Filoiann Wiedenhoff
Hebrews 4:11
Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, NKJV
Some of my favorite childhood memories were taking road trips to visit family and friends. I still remember the long drives (so I thought) from Sacramento to San Francisco. Along the way, as young people do – my brothers and I would ask over and over the same exact question, “Are we there yet?”
If I would have known then what I know now which is…how annoying that question truly is, especially after hearing it twenty times, I probably would have kept my lips closed but of course we didn’t think that far…after all we were kids.
I wonder how often as Christian adults we come to God asking that same question and hoping to hear a different answer. We want to be in a certain place at a certain time and instead of being patient and trusting that God knows what’s best for us; we can become frustrated and impatient and the worse part is we think maybe we should help God along to speed things up; as though He needs our help. NOT! This attitude is more common than we want to admit and I have been guilty of this myself. I thank God that He is so patient with us with tender mercies and also that His love is long suffering and never runs short.
Isn’t it interesting to think that as God teaches us to wait upon Him that He is also waiting on us? What I mean is; He is patiently waiting for us to come to the same conclusions children eventually learn as they grow older which is; It’s not about how fast we get there but to enjoy the ride because we know the destination we are heading to is well worth the wait and also that the driver will make sure to get us there safely.
So what can we learn from this spiritually?
It’s not a matter of waiting just to wait but Who it is we are waiting for. When we come to the understanding that our trust is to be fully in God’s own character; one Who is faithful, sovereign and always has our best interests at heart and in mind, we can wait patiently upon the Lord with rest and peace that He has us in His capable hands and the blessing is; when we rest and wait patiently in Him, He is most glorified in us.
The truth is it’s actually more difficult for most of us to wait upon the Lord than it is to rush out and try to make things happen. I believe that is why the author of Hebrews says, “Be diligent to enter into that rest.” Also, in the King James Version it says to “Labor to enter into that rest”. In other words it takes some effort and work to rest! It sounds funny but if you think about it; it’s true.
I believe the main reason we struggle to wait and rest in Him is because of our flesh nature. In our flesh nature we not only want things now but we also have been cursed with the duty to toil and labor for our provisions. It’s all about earning and working to receive our due…BUT when Christ came to fulfill the law and became our ultimate sacrifice once and for all He took up the curse for us on the cross and no longer do we need to toil for our salvation. We now have been given grace by faith through Christ God’s son.
To recap…in our old flesh we want to work (make spiritual things happen but in our time and our way) but never truly resting or receiving it. However in Christ as a new creation through the Holy Spirit we can rest and wait upon the Lord to work in us and the bible says in due time we will reap a harvest. It’s not that we are to just sit back and wait for God to do something FOR us; it’s to rest in that God is working through us and when He calls us to wait on Him we need to trust Him that He knows what is best for us and will give us His peace to rest and to wait.
Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” NKJV
So when your heart becomes frustrated in waiting on God, remind yourself that you can rest in Him and that you can trust God to provide in His perfect time. Ask God to take your burdens and in return He will give you His rest and peace for your soul.
Psalm 27:14 “Wait on the LORD; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD!” NKJV
Philippians 4:6-7 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. NKJV
Dear Heavenly Father,
Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me – that cries, Abba Father. Help me to rest in your spirit patiently with confidence that you are faithful and will provide in your perfect time and in your perfect way. Amen
About the Author
Filoiann Wiedenhoff is a pastor’s wife from San Diego, Ca. She is also a mother, women’s counselor, writer and columnist. For more info you can visit her website at www.filoiannwiedenhoff.com.
On the first day of Christmas, my children gave to me
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