We stayed up way too late and I was sleeping in late. My body woke up at my usual time and felt these words come across my heart, Rest Brings Testimony. I thought about that for a few minutes and went back to sleep.
I finally had enough sleep and woke up at 10:00 am. That is nine and half hours of sleep for me. Ever since we have been on shut down (COVID-19), I am sleeping eight to ten hours a night, compared to the seven hours I was getting when our life was full.
When I woke up at 10:00, my mind immediately went back to Rest Brings Testimony. That is funny. I never remember my dreams; I never remember things I think of when I wake up in the middle of the night.
Last night when I drifted off to sleep, I was praying. I was praying that God will show me the right path for my future. I am always full of ideas. I currently have a few things I am working on but need more direction from God before I continue down those paths. I have been praying about this lately.
As my mind goes into analysis mode, as you all know I do often, I think about the first word rest.
Rest was something I have needed for a long time. As my late grandmother used to say, “Natalie, you are doing too much.” Yeah, I think maybe she was right. Grandmothers are usually right.
I think I typically TRY to do too many things. I tend to fail at the things that do not get enough of my time allotted to them. I think my balancing act has gone a little too far. If I continue to pursue all the things I want to pursue, I need to change things and get help with these things.
A month ago, I had a conversation with my mother. She is still recovering from her stroke from last year. We discussed the fact she was not able to do the things she used to, and I was talking about needing a break from all the things I was doing.
In our conversation, she said we just have to rest in the Lord. We must wait on him and his timing. Mothers are right, also. We all need rest.
Rest is what we have been given at this time in our life. (for some of us-I continue to pray for those on the front-lines working every day for us.) As soon as the shut down happened, the first thing I thought, what can I accomplish during this time? It has taken a few weeks to embrace rest. We are wrapping up week five of shut down and I am grateful for this time.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
“Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him.” Psalm 62:1
“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.” Psalm 4:8
As I move on to analyze the word “Testimony.” Rest is going to bring my testimony. What does that mean?
The definition of testimony based on my google search:
“Evidence or proof provided by the existence or appearance of something.”
“To give one’s testimony means to tell the story of how one became a Christian.”
“Everyone’s testimony is powerful because it is a story about moving from death to life. Giving your personal testimony is a way to share the gospel with others by explaining your personal salvation experience. It gives others an example of how God changes lives.”
When I refer to testimony, I think of my story. My story of God living in me. God living in all of us. God providing, giving, loving, and taking care of each of his children. I think of the good things he has done for us. I think of Jesus dying on the cross for our salvation. I think of the ultimate sacrifice and how that is what life is all about. Life is all about our Lord above!
My testimony, my salvation, my life is because of Him! We search for answers. We search for difficult solutions to difficult problems. But it is so simple. It is Jesus. He is the only answer we ever need.
If we read our Bible and pray to Him, we get closer to Him. We feel Him. He speaks to us. We feel in our heart. He is the answer. He is the testimony. He is the greatest gift we will ever receive.
Today, I will rest. I will …
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
And then I will give my testimony. I will be the light; he has called us all to be. I will tell my story.
Rest Brings Testimony.
How are you resting today? What's your testimony?
