“My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest” (Ex. 33:14 NKJ).
Rest is total absence from stress, conflict, turmoil, tension and hassle. This is not a rest “from” activity, but a rest “in” the midst of activity.
Have you not been impressed by certain people who seem to be the epitome of composure and total serenity while everyone else around them is going to pieces or “coming unglued?” What is it that allows these people to show such inner strength and continual tranquility?
Years ago, the old saints of God called this state of continual peace and quiet “the rest of faith.” The writer of Hebrews assures us: “There remains therefore a rest for the people of God” (Heb. 4:9 NKJ). He also exhorts us to make every effort to enter into that rest.
This rest is a place of faith that allows us to function free of stress, tension and pressure. In that place we can be at rest while going about our normal activities of life, while busy with our responsibilities. This almost seems like a contradiction in terms: resting while laboring…resting while exerting energy. This is not laziness, shirking duties, neglecting responsibilities, or sleeping on guard.
Rest is the capacity to function at full capacity and strength all the while sustained by an “in-working,” “in-strengthening,” God-given ability. Jesus as our role model is a good example. He was never caught off guard or taken by surprise. Even when trick questions were thrown at Him, He handled His opponents with a disarming ease. His inner peace kept Him unruffled even in the face of resistance and opposition.
In this verse in Exodus, God promises us that same inner peace and rest.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.