We both laughed after my husband Kenya said, “Rest yourself. Rest yourself,” doing his best impersonation of his mother.
He’s pretty good at that.
He reminds me so much of Rosie—her nickname.
Before she went home to be with the Lord, with a smile in her eyes, she’d always say that.
Rest yourself. Rest yourself.
Whenever we came over for a visit, Rosie wanted us to relax and enjoy ourselves.
“I feel like resting right now,” Kenya said, expressing how tired he was once we finished giggling about his spot-on impression.
It’s funny how Rosie’s mannerisms and unique ways of expressing herself have become a part of our own expressions, vernacular and humor.
Her insistence that we rest was constant and second only to her suggestions that we “go on and eat something.”
Resting ourselves, not only naturally, but spiritually, is so necessary and important.
Unfortunately, we often fail to rest in the Lord and trust His guidance in the midst of uncertain times.
We like to know what our next move will be, how things will all work out and exact details regarding the will of God.
Our eagerness to have full insight, understanding and answers, can cause anxiety, worry and impatience as we wait on the Lord.
But you and I must always remember that God is in control. He will take care of us. It is neither our works nor knowledge, but His will and wisdom that dictate the course of our lives.
Friend, rest yourself. Your life is in His hands, just as Saul of Tarsus’s life was in God’s hands.
In Acts 9, this Jew, based in Rome, was fiercely fighting against the mission of Christians. But after encountering Jesus on his way to Damascus, he saw a bright light from heaven, fell off his animal and heard the voice of the Lord.
After being introduced to Christ through that supernatural encounter, when Saul opened his eyes, he could no longer see in the physical.
And yet, something had shifted. His spiritual eyes were opened for the first time.
God, who is merciful, after some days passed, sent a disciple named Ananias to the blind new convert. When this obedient servant laid his hands on Saul, he received the Holy Spirit.
We now know this man as Paul, one of the greatest apostles of Jesus Christ that the world has ever known.
The same God that delivered Saul from bondage and then introduced him to his predestined purpose, will set you free of whatever binds you. He’ll also plant your feet firmly in the soil of destiny and cause you to bear fruit.
Do you think Saul was thinking about Jesus’ transforming power on his way to persecute Christians?
Absolutely not.
When the Lord spoke, Saul didn’t even know who He was. He asked in verse 5, “Who are You, Lord?” Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.”
Christ, the Risen Savior, had to introduce Himself.
Oh, but once Saul met Jesus on that road, his life was never the same again. Everything changed. He was suddenly walking along a path that had been laid out for him already.
You, too, are on a path.
God, who has saved you from sin, has a great purpose, a mighty destiny for you, even though your present conditions might make that hard to believe. Yet, it's so true.
When God chose Moses in Exodus 3 to set Israel free, he saw himself as being inadequate. But God had a plan for his life and carried it out through an imperfect vessel.
Romans 9:17 reveals God’s mind in choosing Moses.
He said, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you, and that My name may be declared in all the earth.”
God has a plan to show forth His power in you also, that transcends your own power, plans and predictions. What He has in store is even greater than you could imagine.
Just trust God’s will. Submit to His way. Accept His timing and rest yourself.
When you do that, you’ll be perfectly positioned to receive all He has for you.
To remind you to rest in the Lord and place your full confidence in Him, I’m stirring Psalm 62:5 NIV into your cup of inspiration, which says, “Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.”
As you drink down the contents of your cup, know that God’s got it—whatever it is. He has you, your destiny and whatever situation concerns you, in His grasp.
He has a plan.
And since He already has one, there’s no need for you to try to conjure up one, or carry the weight of figuring out what it is on your shoulders.
Release your worries and rest in God's promises, and faithfulness to handle any and everything concerning you.
Now please join me in praying for the precious members of our faith community that have written into the Daily Cup of Inspiration, asking to be included on our “Thoughtful Thursdays” intercessory prayer list.
As you intercede for them, know that God’s hand is outstretched toward your situation. He stands ready, willing and able to meet every need you have.
Cynthia wrote:
I would like prayer for my daughter Candace because I know in my heart whatever you ask in his name only say the word. Candace went through a very bad 6 year relationship with a man who put her down, insulated her and whenever we talked to her to leave him she would say he is the father of her kids and never left. Last month he called her some nasty name and pushed her down the steps. She was pregnant but had already miscarried - when he pushed her down the steps she started hemorrhaging - he did not take her to the doctor - so me and my other daughter took her - she is now living with me - but has so much hate, insecurity and is always rude and always has a smart comment like we are attacking her. I want you to pray for her that God touches her heart and heals her of what she was going through, and make her a better person and trust God that it is okay.
Anna wrote:
My life has been in a holding pattern since 2000. Bad marriage, bad divorce, Hurricane Katrina, loss of loved ones, etc. God has sustained me in that I feel that I am still sane and very grateful but, am more than tired. I am very very weary. Life has changed but not necessarily for the better. I have prayed, I have sought God's will, I have read His Word, tried to live His Word but life continues to feel like and be a nightmare that I cannot wake up from. I don't know what to pray for anymore. My request is that you stand in agreement with me for prayer that God's Will be done in my life and that I come to know or be at peace that His Will is being done in my life.
Anonymous wrote:
I am asking for prayer in regards to maintaining renewed purity (abstinence), freedom from an unequally yoked relationship, and co-parenting with that person. I am struggling hearing God's voice in regards to the situations mentioned above, so I also pray for guidance, wisdom and clarity. Thank you in advance.
Anonymous wrote:
This is a prayer request, but also, I'm seeking wisdom in an area that concerns me. I am seeking direction and purpose in my life and I don't know where to turn. I have prayed for confirmations but still no clear directions. I am part of a group that encourages us to go after your dreams and purpose, and take your rightful position. But what if you don't know what that is? I often wonder if I am not trying hard enough. I had someone say to me “Faith without works is dead” and “God is waiting for you to take the first step.” I don't have a first step but I am standing on God's truth. He says I know the plans that I have for you to prosper and not to hurt you (Jeremiah 29:11). He also says he is working out the plans for my life (Psalms 138:8). I'm believe I should be waiting on the door or opportunity to present itself and that's when I would walk in it in faith. Your Godly wisdom and prayer is appreciated. Thank you.
Gayle Johnson wrote:
There are doors that my husband and I are getting ready to walk in to speak God's word. Pray for God's wisdom, his grace and his love to show forth through us.
Anonymous wrote:
I would like for you to pray for God's will for my marriage. My husband has filed for divorce and I'm praying for healing and restoration in the name of Jesus. Amen
Anonymous wrote:
I need a financial miracle. I am struggling to make ends meet, but I know that God is leading me somewhere great. I have faith that everything will work out but from month to month every time I feel I take a few steps forward I get knocked back. I have faith in God's word.
Anonymous:
Broken Heart.
Demetria:
Stop drinking alcohol.
Anonymous wrote:
I am in need of the LORD's miracle in the way of the healing and restoration of my mother's health (mind & body) so she can return to her devoted Christian life without the dependency of others for survival.
I also am asking the LORD for guidance, protection and healing and deliverance in the manner of relieving my son and I from the strife-filled abusive home life that results from my husband's sinful infidelities! As a stay at home mom for over 6yrs am asking the LORD for gainful full-time employment that allows me financial stability and flexibility to still be a devoted mother. I NEED the LORD to shift HIS miraculous favor in my direction and show HIS omnipotent hand in my life!
Anonymous wrote:
I have been studying to pass my last two teacher exams and have not passed. As a result, I am unable to be hired for a teaching job. I am asking for prayer that I pass the exam in September and the next one by December so that I can apply for lead teaching positions in the New Year. My employer is not able to hire without the license. Other school districts are unable to do the same without it as well. I've taken classes, had tutors, studied in groups and I have still been unable to pass. I am trying again and I am asking that you keep me in prayer that I pass this time around. Thank you.
Dahlonega wrote:
Please pray for a financial breakthrough that will allow me to better support my daughter. Pray for a safe home which I can afford.
God, I have deep concerns about some situations going on in my life. At times when I can’t see my way clearly, worry comes and tries to get the best of me. But today, I am casting all of my cares at Your feet. I rebuke worry, anxiety, doubt and fear, and embrace faith in Your mighty plan to do awesome things in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, encourage, and empower you!
If you need prayer, don't hesitate to request it. I would be honored to stand in faith with you. I know that prayer works. CLICK HERE to learn how to submit your prayer request.
