LABOUR TO ENTER INTO GOD’S REST

Topic: LABOUR TO ENTER INTO GOD’S REST

Text: Hebrews 4:11 KJV

Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. 

On the seventh day, after creating the heavens, the earth, and all living things, God rested to admire His work and reflect on its goodness. He made a promise to bring the children of Israel to a place of everlasting rest. He rescued them from the bondage of slavery in Egypt, leading them through the trials and tribulations of the wilderness, and vowed to take them to the promised land, described as a land flowing with milk and honey—a place of abundance and peace. However, despite witnessing great signs and wonders, many of them could not enter God’s rest because of their hardened and unbelieving hearts.

God has also made a similar promise to us in the present age, as the end of the world draws near. He has come to save us from our sins and has promised to return to take us to our eternal home. Nevertheless, he has given us a grave warning, urging us to guard against unbelief and disbelief so that none of us will fall short of this incredible promise.

In our journey to draw closer to God and experience His rest, we must be diligent and persistent. It’s essential to strive and make an effort to enter into the rest that God offers us. We must be mindful not to fall short of this marvelous rest by putting in the necessary work. Our lives can be likened to a battlefield, where we face challenges from within ourselves, the influences of the world, and the strategies of the devil. Overcoming these adversities is paramount to our spiritual growth.

As an evangelist once stated, ” The flesh will not allow you to go deeper with God; you must overcome it. The world will not allow you to go far with God; you must overcome it. The devil will not allow you to go up with God; you must overcome him.” This statement highlights the need for us to conquer the obstacles that hinder our relationship with God.

So, how do we overcome these obstacles and draw closer to God?

I believe the following scriptures will offer guidance in our lives:

• “Walk in the spirit and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.” – Galatians 5:16
• “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.” – 1 John 2:15
• “We triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of our testimony.” – Revelation 12:11

Trusting in God’s divine promises and obeying His word serve as steadfast anchors for our souls.

Prayer: “Father, assist me as I strive to enter into Your rest. Shield me from doubt and disobedience that may hinder me. Amen.”