“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have TRIBULATION: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 KJV)
When troubles come into our life, and Jesus told us that they would, how should we be reacting? What about when we are working hard at achieving something and these stumbling blocks keep happening? What about when others keep discouraging you? What about when other believers keep trying to convince you that you need to work to keep your salvation? That you are not doing enough and are not saved because you lack enough good works?
I want to understand what the Word of God says. I want you to understand that most of the world and even Christian community are failing to realize something very important and that is resting in God.
God Wants Us To Rest In Him. Are We Listening?
⇒ BE NOT AFRAID. FEAR NOT.
“FEAR THOU NOT; for I am with thee: BE NOT DISMAYED; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. ” (Isaiah 41:10 KJV)
“But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; BE NOT AFRAID.” (Matthew 14:27 KJV)
“And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and BE NOT AFRAID.” (Matthew 17:7 KJV)
“FEAR YE NOT therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.” (Matthew 10:31 KJV)
“So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will NOT FEAR what man shall do unto me.” (Hebrews 13:6 KJV)
Then we see what we should be fearing as believers which seems the opposite of what we mostly believe as evident by our actions and reactions to circumstances in our lives:
“Let us THEREFORE FEAR, lest, a promise being left us of ENTERING INTO HIS REST, any of you should seem to COME SHORT OF IT.” (Hebrews 4:1 KJV)
We are to be fearful of not entering into God’s REST.
To be fearful of anything else is an act of unbelief. Bring this to remembrance next time fear grips you. Pray to God to help your unbelief and He will
⇒ THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH
“For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.” (Romans 1:17 KJV)
“But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.” (Galatians 3:11 KJV)
“Now THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.” (Hebrews 10:38 KJV)
“But WITHOUT FAITH it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6 KJV)
“Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? And Jesus said unto them, BECAUSE OF YOUR UNBELIEF: for verily I say unto you, IF YE HAVE FAITH as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.” (Matthew 17:19-20 KJV)
Our faith matters. It is the only way we can please God because that is what God wants for us; to have faith in Him and to REST in HIM! By exercising our faith in God, we are resting in Him in belief. It is evidence of our belief.
⇒ DO NOT WORRY.
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself.” (Matthew 6:33-34 KJV)
“I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I SHALL NOT BE MOVED.” (Psalm 16:8 KJV)
“CAST THY BURDEN UPON THE LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.” (Psalm 55:22 KJV)
“TRUST IN THE LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV)
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I WILL GIVE YOU REST. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and YE SHALL FIND REST unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 KJV)
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And THE PEACE OF GOD, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7 KJV)
⇒ REST IN GOD IN ALL THINGS. THE GOOD, BAD & UGLY.
As believers, we have been born of the Spirit and made a new creature in Christ. Forever forgiven and made into the righteousness of God, in Christ. Yet we still reside in this corrupt Flesh and we will remain here until physical death or our bodily resurrection. We are weak in this Flesh. We are not perfect and God is fully aware. God is for us! Believe that! Jesus died and shed His blood on that cross showing just how much God cares for us!
ENTER GOD’S REST. Be afraid of not remaining there and when you fall out of His rest, God still got ya! You are forever His and forever forgiven and forever the righteousness of God , IN CHRIST. He will never leave you nor forsake you, even when things do not seem to be going your way. He has a plan. He has a purpose for everything you experience and in the end,
“…we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 KJV)
