Hebrews 4:3 For we who have believed do enter that rest…
Naturally speaking, when we rest, we don’t work. So what does working out of rest mean? Well, let me explain what I have learned over the last few years.
When I first arrived in Hong Kong and started preaching, I would prepare so diligently for all my sermons. I spent one to two days fine-tuning my points and made sure that everything was just right – I would search out for the best word and then diligently search for images and illustrations for the presentations and do everything to ensure the message would be understood by the Chinese culture. I would then spend a day or so going over that message to ensure I communicated it just right. You see, I thought, “Everything was dependent on me to ensure the people would understand the messages”.
And after I preached, I would come home wondering, and even worrying did the people get it?
Then, God began to speak to me. He said, “Son, your preaching is not out of rest. It is out of your effort.” He then said something that changed my life, not just in the area of preaching, but also in every other area, and I pray that it will bless you too. He said, “Prepare everything you need to. But when you stand in front of the people, it is My Spirit and My Anointing that does the work within the people”.
Yes, there must be preparation, whether it is your sermon or sales presentation. I am not advocating laziness or where you sit back and just do nothing. You need to prepare, but don’t depend on your preparation. Instead, trust God and tell yourself that whenever you are in front of other people – God is the One who will bring the breakthrough, He will bring the increase and favor needed. He will bring revelation and healing, peace, and ‘everything’ it is that the people need. Don’t be stressed out and lose your rest by thinking, “I must know everything! I must remember everything and do everything!”
No, instead believe God and be at rest. Trust God’s anointing to be your breakthrough. Trust God to bring you the increase! Trust God for His favor.
Trusting God is resting in God!