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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Rest (01/17/13)
Rosemary had really tried to be on time for the special speaker at the Women's Society this morning; she had wanted a front row seat, but as usual she would have to sneak a seat on the back row, which she did. Although the speaker had begun the presentation she was hoping to learn something about getting her life into a state of clam repose. Seated now, she began to listen:

"In ways not immediately perceived, so much of our language is related, or rather shaded, by the intention of the word or words we use to communicate. We tend to think in terms of black or white, and this or that; the term "Rest" is also a multifaceted word.

Who does not love the thought of rest? We all know people who seem to live for that state of existence to the exclusion of meaningful productivity.

Conversely, we also know those who seem to resent going to bed because they are intensely tuned to producing everything life allows to them.

However, upon consideration of the experienced state of "rest" we know that it has nothing to do with activity or inactivity. It is an internal experience of confidence that 'all is well.'

If there is any way to achieve the state of "resting" without confidence in God and His ability and willingness to come to our aid, to protect us, to provide for us, it is not known to me. Life lived by my own wits is not confidence producing.

Jesus says to us, "Come to Me and I will give you rest." He does too, when we finally yield everything to His care.

At the beginning it is a difficult thing to do and it is not done once for all, but must be a moment by moment conscious commitment.

As with all disciplines, the more we consciously live the life of relinquishment of worry and care to the Lord, the easier it becomes because we grow confident that He is capable, able and willing to be to us what He says, because He does. He is a constant surprise.

God will have things His way. He is God. He promises us that IF we do righteously that He will give many blessings. If we think about it there is no way to come close to Jesus The Giver, and be living unrighteous.

The conquest for Rest, and for Peace, the Siamese Twin of "Rest," is found in doing as the Lord tells us, and by keeping His Word before our eyes and in our hearts. It just sounds too simple to be true. Haven't we learned that truth IS simple?

Assembling a complex piece of furniture without reading the instructions found in the box is a stressful experience.

Trying to live life without reading the instructions from the Manual, provided to us by the Maker, brings to us so many troubles that are unnecessary. We must read it and heed its instructions.

When Jesus said, "Come to Me and rest," He continued to invite us to take His yoke upon ourselves and to learn from Him, for He said, "I am meek and lowly of heart and you shall find rest for your souls."

It was a long time before I realized that Jesus is in the yoke with us. It is His yoke, and we are invited to share it with Him. Now how difficult can that be?"

Driving home Rosemary meditated on the speaker's comments and realized that her conquest for rest and peace, and even for organization in her life was not to be found in a formula of producing results, but rather in that of simply being a Zero, beside the Hero.
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This article has been read 910 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Judith Gayle Smith-Owens Vitouswykegardinerclark
01/24/13
Excellent imagery! I sat in your "Feminar" learning why God's Fourth Commandment helps me to truly rest in Him. I was delighted to read this. Thank you.
Susan Montaperto
01/26/13
Thank you for all you had to say on resting with Lord.

God Bless.
C D Swanson 
01/26/13
Beautifully written and told. Thank you.

God bless~
Sheldon Bass 
01/27/13
Wonderful article on not only entering into the peace and rest of our Lord, but remaining there, yolked with Him. It truly is a moment by moment conscious commitment and decision. You couldn't get any more on topic, however, I almost wrote mine along the same lines. Hope the judges don't think this was not imaginative enough. It is a very pertinent and needed message today. Good work.
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
01/29/13
This is an interesting piece. You make some great points and I'm sure many can truly relate to that.

I noticed two little things. First I think you meant claim not clam (though it did make me smile as i pictured a giant clam telling her to take it easy.)
This next thing is something I only noticed because I was just reading a writer's guideline about how the word however sounds better in the middle like this: Upon consideration of the experienced state of "rest," we know, however, that it has nothing to do with activity or inactivity.
I'm not sure which I think flows better but I thought I would share my lesson about transitioning.

I do, however, think you made some great points. I had never thought about rest in this way. I also enjoyed your MC--though at first it seemed to be Rosemary, but then you switched to first person (I) then back to third again(she)--I thought she felt real and I enjoyed her musings. I think you did a great job of tackling the topic and giving the reader something to ponder.