 Artwork by Polly Lunetto. We are encouraged never to despise small beginnings (see Zechariah 4:10). Everything has its initial seed form of the growth process. In the unfolding picture of our life of rest, there is a simple understanding of the glimpse of creation. In the beginning, we see… “Thus, the heavens and the earth, and all the host of them, were finished. And on the seventh day, God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it because, in it, He rested from all His work which God had created and made” (Genesis 2:1-4, emphasis mine). Then, in the book of Exodus…“Therefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath and observe the Sabbath throughout their generations as a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between the children of Israel and Me forever; for in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed” (Exodus 31:16-17). Was God refreshed? Even before the giving of the Law, God blessed the seventh day. Therein lays this principle of rest introduced! Now, please don’t misunderstand me. In no way am I suggesting or promoting complete inactivity. God rested not because He was tired, but because He was finished. God sees the end from the beginning (see Isaiah 46:10). He’s working a plan! God works, then He rests. Again, He wasn’t tired, but He was finished. It’s so simple yet profound. Think of it: God works and then rests. Yet, He ordained mankind to rest, then work. For us, our work flows out of a relationship with Him! God loves our dependency on Him, not our self-sufficiency. It’s time for this ‘sign’ (this relationship) to show forth destiny of purpose in these wild times. God is working behind the scenes and also right out in front! Be refreshed. Excerpt from “For the Rest of Your Life” Written by Denise Capra Artwork by Polly Lunetto
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