Finding and ABIDING in the Rest of God
The following message from Pastor Zac Poonen is very encouraging, at least it was for me. In this sermon, He is teaching on what it means to rest in God: In part, this addresses:
- Being Ambassadors for Christ means that we are not citizens of this world.
- Most Christians are just playing the fool with Christianity. The evidence is that there is no growth.
- Growing in grace only happens as we perceive our lowliness before the Lord.
- When people give you honor, don't forget that if they knew you as intimately as you know yourself, they would not give you that honor, but would give it to somebody else.
- You become a true worshiper when God's opinion is the only one that matters. Then you will always be at rest.
- The Scriptures describing the true rest of God (Matthew 11:28-30) are followed up directly by Jesus being questioned by the religious leaders about breaking the Sabbath (Matthew 12:1-14). This contrast is to show that they did not understand what the Sabbath really was.
- It is when things are not going well that you know whether you are at rest or not. So thank God for the little shakings, for such gives us the opportunity to check our foundations. Is it on the rock or on the sand?
I admit that resting in God is something He is dealing with me on as well, and has been for the past few years. Being removed from caring about the praises or criticisms of others. Retaining God's peace in the midst of the trials of life. Being a true worshiper of the Lord where we can stand individually accountable before Him, walking in the liberty of His Spirit, knowing that we are "accepted in the Beloved."
Yet, God is faithful and He is able to do abundantly more than we can think or even ask.
Challenges may abound, but the grace of God abounds even more!
This message really hit home for me this week. I received an e-mail from Human Resources letting me know that my position could be cut and I immediately started worrying and crying inside over this news.
ReplyDeleteMy co-worker said to me: "Emily, where is your faith?" And I was humbled to the core, I thought I had more faith to trust God. Your article was the second witness that I need to work out my salvation with fear and trembling.
God Bless!