Active Rest

It’s normal, especially in today’s culture, to strive for everything. But how much striving would you do if you knew God was on your side? I used to get in there and strive for what I wanted. But now I know my battle is the Lord’s battle, so I can sit back and rest. It gives me great comfort. Here’s a thought: When we’re striving for things, it’s because we don’t trust God to do it. In other words, whether we realise it or not, we don’t see God as on our side. There has even been teaching to justify striving. I’ve heard ministers point to Mark 11:24 as their text, which says,

Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.

Mark 11:24 (New King James Version)

The Greek word for “receive” in this verse can mean “to take” (Strong’s Concordance), so it’s easy to draw the conclusion that we as Christians should be more active in receiving. But that’s not true. That’s the trap I see so many Christians get into. What happens is their need to strive for things outweighs their trust in God and their patience for Him to bring something to pass. But Scripture says that through faith and patience, we inherit the promises of God (Heb. 6:12). That’s a big deal. God’s way of receiving is not through actively going after something. It’s through active peace and rest.

“Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.”

Hebrews 4:11

Labouring to enter the rest of God may sound like a paradox, but it takes effort not to strive. However, when you’re striving, it’s hard not to live with fear. Look at this passage.

Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Matthew 6:31-33

Do you see how that if God is on your side, you don’t need to fret? Worry leads to trusting yourself and earning things with God. Look at what Andrew said about this in his teaching The War Is Over:

The only way you ever have peace with God is when you quit trusting in yourself and quit thinking that you have to earn the blessing of God, and you just rest in what Jesus did.

Let’s all breathe a sigh of relief. Jesus has got this. God has made you promises, and through Jesus, you will receive them. But it’s by actively resting in Him. Learn more in Andrew’s teaching The War Is Over.