Exodus 33:14
And He said, “My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.”
The oxford dictionary defines rest as to cease work or movement in order to relax, sleep or recover strength.
As Christians, we are constantly told to cast our cares upon him and once we do, we should rest knowing that our father cannot withhold any good thing from us.
What does that rest mean to us though? Do we sleep and eat while we wait on that job? That contract? That spouse?
Let us look at David, a man who teaches us what it means to rest. In 1 Samuel 16, Samuel anointed David king while Saul still sat on the throne. It was not for another 15 years that David actually sat on that throne himself. During that time of waiting, David went through a lot of growth physically, spiritually, financially and family wise. Not once did he try to oust Saul from this seat. He trusted his God but prepared himself for what he knew was to come even though the situation around him spoke otherwise.
So how do we rest? By preparing ourselves for what we know will surely come because God said so. Are you waiting on a job; work on that CV, volunteer and get that experience. On a spouse; learn what the bible teaches you about being a good spouse, seek mentorship from married couples.
Matthew 25:10
“But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.
When opportunity comes, it will not give you a chance to prepare for it. So rest in the knowledge that your father in heaven will meet you at your point of need, but as you rest prepare yourself to ensure that you make the most of what your father presents to you. Do not give your opportunity a chance to say no to you. Take strides even as you rest.
Prophetic Utterance:
I have the wisdom to know what to do in my season of rest, and the humility to listen to the instructions of the holy spirit regarding my destiny. I do not lose, I win always. Amen.
Guiding text:
Matthew 25:1-12
Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.
2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:
4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.
6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.
7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.
8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.
9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.
¹⁰And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.