The first battle II

The first battle was fought at Rest, at Rephidim.

This may sound like an oxymoron, how can anyone be at rest and yet still be fighting? I used to think that being at rest means sleeping, watching tv, relaxing or more recently chillaxing (chillout + relax = chillax). But the truth of the matter is that being at rest has nothing to do with activity. Rest is a state of believe that He is in control.

Pastor JP has this to say about rest, "rest is not inactivity but God directed activity".

Sometimes, we can be working 26hrs day and still be at rest. Other times we can be physically having a holiday and yet in the inside, we're restless, anxious and troubled. Can you see what I mean? This also completely debunk the popular thought that rest is about not doing anything. This is far from the truth. As seen in the story, Israel was fighting a fierce battle at rest! Although Mary was seated at the foot of Jesus, she was LISTENING to Jesus.

How is this useful in our lives? Well, picture this, you just had the worst dayS of your life. The last few months has been horrible. Wave after waver of bad news. You worry and cannot sleep. And because you cannot sleep, you're tired to work the next day. Anxiety attacks happen more frequently. Trouble multiplies. You blame God, your luck and everything else. Where is the help in time of need?

Relax mate. Relax. God is helping you. Calm down. Be at Rephidim. Hear his voice. Feel where His wind is blowing. Raise up the staff of moses (ie. lift up Jesus, look at Him). Suddenly, the thigns of the world turns strangely dim. Your vision gets clearer. You know in your heart what you need to do. You take that first step, then your next and your next. And He will lead your path straight... straight out of that wilderness. Will there be battles? Sure. Big ones too. (and in all battles, there may be casualties but the Lord is victorious, so are you!)

I believe that's how Rephidim or Rest works - by leading us to quiet waters. And everytime we find ourselves in trouble, in a dark valley like the shadow of death, Rest in Him (but you can keep working) and He will lead you out.

I hope this helps guy.

One last thing before I sign out for tonight. While I was coming home just now in the bus I was praying for a brother who is facing some work challenges. And as I was praying for him, declaring on his behalf that he is above and not below his challenges.... I saw a vision of myself learning how to swim. You see, before I learn how to swim I could hardly float. I kicked as hard as I can but Im usually sinking. And those of you who knows how to swim would know that all I have to do is to relax and our body floats naturally.Now, that I've learn how to swim it's sinking that I find hard to do. I suppose that's why divers carry added weight.

I know what it meant for us immediately. As believers, we are all, always, by the Covenant that He has cut with us, above. The only thing we need to do is relax in water and then the laws of physics (the covenant) will take over - we will always float... and he is above and not below.

Have a blessed week people.