Ready, Set, Rest
Exodus 20:8-11 says that God made humans to work six days and rest on the seventh day. Known as the “Sabbath,” it’s a day full of rest. Yet, in this busy fast paced world, it can be hard to find time to stop and be still, especially in the world of ministry.
Missionaries might find it difficult to balance ministry and the rest of life, while also remaining mindful of keeping a Sabbath. The responsibility of spreading the gospel can make it feel nearly impossible to rest.The practice of rest and margin is something that God has recently been teaching Global Partners missionary Olivia* and her family, while serving in Waha.
“I think it (rest) reminds us that we are vessels, we’re not doing the saving work, and life will go on. If we take a nap, God will continue saving people and drawing people to Him,” said Olivia.
Though sometimes in our culture there is an underlying guilt if we’re not staying busy, it’s important to remember that even God rested.
“I would say maybe just … in general in culture and society today, rest just doesn’t feel like it’s as much of a value or maybe the value is resting too much, or working too hard,” said Olivia.
Taking a Sabbath can look differently for everyone but should bring joy and restoration. Some might read, paint, go for a walk, or talk with a friend. Figuring out what might be restful and life-giving could also take some time.
“I’m personally on a journey of figuring that out. So, (we’re) trying a couple different things out,” said Olivia. “(We’re) trying some hobbies on the day that we Sabbath, to see what’s life giving and what’s not.”
It is not only possible to find rest in the daunting world and a life of ministry, but our work becomes so much better when we rest and learn to lean on God. When we don’t rest, we are doing work out of our own strength – it can be exhausting. But working out of rest can improve your work.
“You can work out of that rest and your work will be better. And we don’t have to do it alone,” Olivia said. “When we don’t rest, we are doing work out of our own strength … It’s so much better when we do it with Christ at the center of it.”
*Name changed due to security guidelines