Hebrews 4:1-3, “Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us fear lest any of you should seem to have failed to reach it. For good news came to us just as to them, but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened. For we who have believed enter that rest, as he has said, “As I swore in my wrath, They shall not enter my rest,” although his works were finished from the foundation of the world.”
“Hearing God’s word isn’t enough. Ancient Israel heard the word but it did not profit them because they did not receive it with faith. Hearing gave them the opportunity, but the opportunity only profited if it was mixed with faith.” Blue Letter Bible Commentary, David Guzik. The children of Israel had shortcomings as we all do, but it was their lack of faith in God’s promises and trusting in their own efforts, that kept them from receiving God’s best for them.
When we believe with complete faith and trust in God, in what we hear Him say to us in His Word, it gives us the experience of abiding in His rest. Our own efforts are never adequate. I have needed God’s power, especially these past few weeks and months. I take comfort in the fact that God knows every weakness I have as it tells us:
- Hebrews 4:15, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.”
- Romans 8:26, “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.”
- 2 Corinthians 12:9, “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
- Psalm 103:14, “For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.”
When he was alive, Charles Stanly said he read Psalm 119, 125 – 128, and 133 almost daily. He said it helped prevent him from being discouraged. One example is in Psalm 125:1, “Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever.”
Your (my) present-moment difficulties have an expiration date in God’s sovereign plan for your (my) life. Ask God to guide you in every decision you have to make today. You are getting to know God more personally than when you knew Him before this challenging time. Our own efforts are never adequate. Trust in Christ’s power. “He’s close enough to speak through desires and promptings and pain. Hardships make us forget we are made in the image of God. People are not the enemy – sin is.” Mark Batterson.
How much faith do you and I need? The size of a mustard seed, Jesus says is all it takes to move a mountain. Prayer will start to open doors. Your own efforts are not adequate, but your faith mixed with God’s promises in your prayers will start to get things moving. Hold on. Stand firm. Depend on Jesus and remember, “The same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in me.” Ephesians 1:18-20.
Listen to Phil Wickham – WAIT – HOMETOWN VERSION (Official Lyric Video).