REST

I grew up in New York; it’s the city that never sleeps. I am very used to a fast pace and the hustle. As New Yorkers, we are always on the move and anticipating what’s coming. As a result, I’m not good at resting and taking breaks. But after a while, that can take a toll on you and can create burn out. I have been feeling such a strong call to rest and to know what rest really means in this season. In the past, I viewed rest as a waste of time or even laziness. I was always planning, getting up early to stay on top of things, and as a mom that seemed pretty normal to me. There are not enough hours in the day to do what needs to be done (can I get an amen, moms?).

We have been in such a season of acceleration, the last thing I expected to hear was “slow down”, “be in this moment” and “I want you to surrender your tomorrow to me”.

I have spent the last year taking risks, and finally moving into seeing dreams taking form.

I knew God’s heart was for me to step into these things and more, but now with a greater level of partnership. Sometimes we can get so good at what we do that we forget to invite God in the process and let Him drive for a while (cue Carrie Underwood’s Jesus Take the Wheel).

Surrender is the hands up, facedown position that requires us to let go of what we currently hold. For me, an instinct can be to fear that what I let go, will leave me empty and without, especially in the thing I have worked toward. Of course, we know that is never the heart of God. When we surrender it is an invitation for Him to bring increase and change in the places where we have not learned to ask for help. Trust and surrender can look scary. God never takes away something to punish us, but rather provision for the new thing He wants to give us. So if you are in that place, know that it’s going to be ok. You are going to be ok!

God’s gift to me in this season is rest; rest in Him and allowing Him into my planning, and taking care of my family and ministry. Rest hasn’t been tons of sleep, although my sleep has been better. It hasn’t been saying “No” to everything, but rather saying “Yes” to the things that the Lord highlights as priority. I’m not taking a break from everything, but I am learning to ask the right questions. Rest is leaning into the Lord and His timing. It’s amazing how much gets done when you partner with Him.

Reliance on God, like a little child, is the greatest posture of strength. He can take us farther and do more in us when we live in surrender and rest. The greatest breakthrough, revelation, provision, and increase will come as we can rest in Him.

MATTHEW 11:25-28

25 Then Jesus exclaimed, “Father, thank you, for you are Lord, the Supreme Ruler over heaven and earth! And you have hidden the great revelation of your authority from those who are proud and wise in their own eyes. Instead, you have shared it with these who humble themselves. 26 Yes, Father, your plan delights your heart, as you’ve chosen this way to extend your kingdom—by giving it to those who have become like trusting children. 27 You have entrusted me with all that you are and all that you have. No one fully and intimately knows the Son except the Father. And no one fully and intimately knows the Father except the Son. But the Son is able to unveil the Father to anyone he chooses.

28 “Are you weary, carrying a heavy burden? Then come to me.[o] I will refresh your life, for I am your oasis.[p] 29 Simply join your life with mine.[q] Learn my ways and you’ll discover that I’m gentle,[r] humble, easy to please. You will find refreshment and rest in me.[s] 30 For all that I require of you will be pleasant[t] and easy to bear.