Worship

“Rest On Us” by Maverick City Music

Scripture Foundation

“So the church throughout Judea and Galilee and Samaria enjoyed peace [without persecution], being built up [in wisdom, virtue, and faith]; and walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort and encouragement of the Holy Spirit, it continued to grow [in numbers].” -Acts 9:31, AMP

The Grace of Rest

There are seasons with the Lord for advancement and then for rest—the beautiful and often difficult ebb and flow of both ministry and personal growth. The Church had gone through several mountaintops and valleys in its first years of birth and life. The believers had endured great persecution and great refinement.

Three Anchors in Rest

1. The Fear of the Lord “The carnal person fears man, not God. The strong Christian fears God, not man. The weak Christian fears man too much, and God too little.” -John Flavel
2. The Comfort of the Holy Spirit The Church had been afflicted out of their comfort zones since the beginning of their growth. Now was a time for comfort—a season of comforting rest.
3. The Encouragement of the Holy Spirit The Spirit was evident in the Church through encouragement taking place from one to another by His power and words coming individually and corporately.

Growth Through Rest

The Church wasn’t hiding away. Instead, the end result was more and more people coming to follow Jesus. They weren’t concerned about marketing their churches in all of these cities. They were faithfully following the leadership of the Spirit in this season of growth.

Personal Application

I can remember the Lord pulling me back from a highly fruitful ministry into a season of rest. I was so perplexed and wondered what I had done wrong. I can remember the counsel of a dear friend allowing me to see that there are indeed times when God ushers us into seasons of rest and healing to prepare for the next season of advancement.

Prayer for Those in Waiting

Jesus, pour out Your grace on those in seasons of waiting. They may be longing for You to release to them what You are calling them to in this next chapter, or release them to take more ground in their current calling. We choose to trust You with the timing and the process.

I pray for grace upon grace to cooperate with Holy Spirit and to receive both comfort and encouragement during this season. Give them words to anchor their hearts in holding onto Your faithfulness and Your promise that You will fulfill Your purposes for them, declares the Lord (Psalm 138:8). As they wait on the Lord, renew their strength, give them fresh vision, and restore their soul. In the merciful name of Jesus, amen.