What if God is gifting you this time of a different schedule to get you the rest you so desperately need?
There’s no denying that during this bizarre pandemic time that our workflows have changed. Some of us are working more hours than ever, some are working decidedly fewer hours and every combination in between. If you’re working more than ever right now, please know that you’re in the CPM staff's prayers. You’re doing amazing work trying to spread the Gospel in a whole new environment. For some of us, though, this is the first time we’ve had down time in ages.
What if God is gifting you this time of a different schedule to get you the rest you so desperately need? You’ve been going non-stop for ages. Sundays just keep coming and the holidays of Easter and Christmas are always on the horizon. This forced down time is a gift not to be missed.
Lending perspective
Exodus 20:8 says “Remember the Sabbath by keeping it holy.” Yep. I’m sure you’ve heard that one before today. It’s the 4th commandment. And what’s crazy is that we all agree that we need to live our lives in accordance with the Ten Commandments. We believe that we should have no other gods before God. We believe that we shouldn’t lie or cheat or steal. We know that it’s wrong to murder or commit adultery and we know we need to honor our parents. No idols, no coveting, no problem. Right? So why do we think it’s OK to ignore the 4th commandment?
Does that 4th commandment really apply to us? Aren’t we called to do God’s work?
We work at churches. Our traditional Sabbath day is chock full of work from sunup until oftentimes sundown. Does that 4th commandment really apply to us? Aren’t we called to do God’s work? Taking a break on Sundays just won’t work. Logically Sundays will never be our days of rest. But that doesn’t mean that taking a breather is any less important.
Exodus 31:17 says, “He (God) rested and was refreshed.”
If God refreshes himself, why don’t we?
Recharging is Godly
Here’s the thing…God WANTS us to be refreshed. He knows we need a break to recharge. He knows we can’t keep working at a crazy pace or we’ll burn out. I know all the excuses for not taking a break. There’s work to get done. If I don’t get to it, who will? Isn’t helping to spread The Word more important than my exhaustion? More important than my crazy schedule? Aren’t we called to do God’s work?
There’s a reason He gave us that 4th commandment. He knows we need rest.
There’s no denying the work we do is important. We’re helping to expand the Kingdom. We’re growing disciples. We’re getting the Word out. We’re making sure the pastors can be heard and seen as they share the Gospel. But God....God doesn’t need us. He chooses to partner with us. He chooses to let us into His great works because He loves us. He’s got this. There’s a reason He gave us that 4th commandment. He knows we need rest. And He knows that some of us need to be told to rest.
Stop ... and trust
Listen to God. Rest in His arms and in His faithfulness. It’s OK to put down your burdens. It’s OK if that means vegging out or binging on NetFlix for awhile. Reconne
For those of you pulling out the miracle of streaming services this may not be your season for rest, but please don’t miss the fact that you need a Sabbath. Plan for it and talk with your team to make sure they get the breaks they need.
It’s OK to step away from your daily commitments for the church for awhile. It wasn’t our work to begin with - it’s always been God’s work. We’re His hands and feet. And He’s told us to rest.
