When I heard God say that this year was to come from a place of rest, I was confused, and a little disappointed to have that be my word for the year. “Rest” didn’t seem like taking ground, or mighty battles being won, or any big miracles coming through giant leaps forward. Also, I didn’t think it was really possible. I mean, I have four kids 7 and under, and I homeschool three of them, so my workload isn’t super restful.

Last Sunday, Paul Bergin taught at The Belonging Co and that word “rest” got more clarification. I realized that my work was to come from a place of trust in Christ’s completed work. When I trust in Christ’s completed work and victory, I realize that my work isn’t coming from feeling like I have to keep up, or like everything depends on me. Instead I can work from rest.

The Lord has been speaking to me about what He means by “rest”. He means instead of doing things my own way in my own strength, I am to work from His power made perfect in my weakness. He means instead of striving , I am to be content with being loved by Him, filled and clothed with His power and grace. He means instead of resting my faith in my circumstances or surroundings, I am to rest in the power of God (1 Corinthians 2:3-5).

So, what He is telling me isn’t, “Hey, take some time off.” He is telling me I needed to rest in Him in order to allow His power to rest on me and work through me. Then I can be more effective in the work He gives me to do because I’m not striving in my own strength but working with His.

Rest begets readiness.

As I rest in the Lord, I am ready, in His strength, for whatever He’s assigned for my day. Rest makes me powerful. As I choose to rest and trust God with my days, I release my grip over my work and allow God to pour the fullness of Himself into me and through me as I work.

I’m realizing that for me this year, rest is taking ground. Rest does mean mighty victories. Rest will result in miracles and giant leaps forward in faith. Because when I rest in Him, God is working.