How many times have we referred to life as a battle? We’re under heavy fire on every flank. Sometimes we even get hit by friendly fire: Accusations come in our ministry, relationships fail, friends fall out.

It really shouldn’t come as a surprise that suffering is part of life (1 Peter 4:12). In the ruckus of war, our pain screams at us, and the fight before us is all that we’re focused on.

As Singaporeans, we’re always on the go. There’s no stopping us; one goal down, onto the next. You rarely hear anyone making intentional time for rest. For some strange reason, rest has become something to be ashamed about – as if it’s a code word for slacking off or an excuse.

Rest? What rest? There’s just no time for it.

Why has rest become such a repulsive word? Maybe because we take it as an affront to our capability.

We think we can pull one more all-nighter to complete a project, despite not having slept for the past 36 hours because we think we can handle it. And if we don’t, we worry that our teachers or bosses will think we’re weak, incompetent or lazy.

We rarely take a break from ministry because we think, “If I don’t do it, who will?” But that’s not how God works – and that’s where pride seeps in.

When God is in charge, He fight our battles for us. Rest assured.

The Creator of the universe does not count on our works. We are saved by grace through faith, not by what we do (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Jesus knew when He needed rest, even when people had urgent needs which needed to be met (Mark 6:31). What more us?

ARM YOURSELVES WITH THESE 3 Rs

1. REST

For anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience. (Hebrews 4:9-11)

Remember the Sabbath. What’s yours? Take a break on that one day, from that which you would typically do on the other six days. Rest by intentionally retreating into your secret place with God. Have longer, unhurried quiet time. Worship in your bedroom. Pray.

Why do you think NSmen are asked if they got at least 7 hours of sleep the night before a big physical activity? Because without rest, they’re less able to function on the battlefield – the very place they were trained to be the most effective.

The same goes for us; rest enables us to be effective wherever we’ve been placed at.

2. RECOVER

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30)

In 2 Corinthians 3:17, we learn that “where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom”. In Him, we find freedom from hurts, unforgiveness and bitterness.

When we seek recovery in God, we take upon His yoke which is easy and light; allowing us to work well from a position of restedness.

Back to the war metaphor: A wounded soldier who has his wounds tended to at least lives to fight another day. We recover for the next battle.

3. REFOCUS

The disciples went and woke Him saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” Then Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters, and they subsided, and all was calm. “Where is your faith?” He asked. (Luke 8:24-25)

When Jesus calmed the storms, the first thing He asked the disciples was, “Where is your faith?”

His reminder was not to be distracted and distraught by everything that threatens to derail, but to instead refocus on the One in whom we put our faith.
When God is in charge, He fight our battles for us. Rest assured.