ENTERING YOUR SEASON OF REST
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Matthew 11:28-30
Key Verse: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28
Supporting Texts: Hebrews 4:9-11; Exodus 33:14; Psalm 62:1-2; Isaiah 14:3
INTRODUCTION:
Every believer desires rest; rest from battles, rest from fear, and rest from labour without reward. God never intended for His children to live under perpetual pressure or anxiety. From creation, He sanctified the seventh day as a day of rest, symbolising His divine order for humanity to live in peace and fulfilment.
In Christ Jesus, this rest becomes spiritual and complete. The invitation of Jesus in Matthew 11:28-30 is not just a call to salvation but also a call to rest: rest for the weary soul, rest for those burdened by sin, life’s struggles, or spiritual warfare.
Beloved, you may have gone through storms, battles, delays, or disappointments, but God is declaring today: You are entering your season of rest. This is not mere inactivity, but divine calm, stability, and fulfilment that come when God takes over your battles.
1. THE PROMISE OF DIVINE REST
Divine rest is a covenant reality for God’s children. It is God’s assurance of peace after warfare, victory after battle, and fulfilment after endurance.
a) Rest Is God’s Covenant Intention — Genesis 2:2–3: From the beginning, God instituted rest as part of His creation pattern. He desires that His children live in harmony and not in endless toil.
b) Rest Is Found in Christ Alone — Matthew 11:28-29: True rest begins when we come to Jesus. Without Him, every other form of rest is temporary and empty.
c) Rest Comes Through Faith — Hebrews 4:3: We enter rest not by struggle, but by faith in God’s promises. Faith silences fear and brings stability.
d) Rest Is Sustained by Obedience — Isaiah 48:18: Obedience opens the gate of peace and ensures continuous rest in every area of life.
Biblical Example: God gave Israel rest from their enemies when they obeyed His voice under the leadership of Joshua (Joshua 21:44).
2. BARRIERS TO ENTERING GOD’S REST
Some believers fail to enter divine rest not because God is unwilling, but because of disobedience, unbelief, or fear.
a) Unbelief — Hebrews 3:19: Unbelief limits the hand of God and keeps a person in perpetual struggle.
b) Fear and Anxiety — Philippians 4:6-7: Fear paralyses faith. When you dwell in anxiety, you lose the peace that God provides.
c) Disobedience — Isaiah 30:15: Divine rest cannot coexist with rebellion. Rest comes when we yield to God’s instructions.
d) Self-Reliance — Proverbs 3:5-6: Depending on your strength rather than God’s grace leads to frustration and exhaustion.
Biblical Example: The Israelites wandered for forty years because of unbelief and disobedience, though rest was promised to them (Numbers 14:23-34).
3. CONDITIONS FOR ENTERING YOUR SEASON OF REST
God’s rest is prepared, but it must be accessed by spiritual alignment and faith-driven obedience.
a) Come to Jesus Fully — Matthew 11:28: Surrender your burdens and invite Christ to take charge of your life’s journey.
b) Walk in Covenant Relationship — Psalm 25:14: Rest is reserved for those who maintain intimacy with God and honour His covenant.
c) Trust God’s Promises — Isaiah 26:3: Perfect peace belongs to those whose minds are stayed on God. Trust dispels worry.
d) Maintain a Lifestyle of Thanksgiving — Philippians 4:6: Gratitude activates God’s presence, and where His presence abides, rest is guaranteed.
Biblical Example: Hannah entered her season of rest after trusting God in prayer and dedicating Samuel to Him (1 Samuel 1:17-20).
4. MANIFESTATIONS OF DIVINE REST
When God grants rest, it shows in every area of a person’s life: spiritually, emotionally, and materially.
a) Rest in the Spirit — Romans 8:6: Your heart becomes anchored in peace, no matter the situation.
b) Rest from Enemies — 2 Samuel 7:1: God silences the voices and forces that have warred against your progress.
c) Rest in Provision — Psalm 23:1-2: The Lord becomes your Shepherd, ensuring that you lack nothing.
d) Rest in Destiny Fulfilment — Deuteronomy 12:10: You begin to enjoy results effortlessly because God takes over the labour.
Biblical Example: Solomon enjoyed divine rest and unprecedented prosperity because God fulfilled His covenant with David (1 Kings 5:4).
CONCLUSION:
Every storm eventually gives way to calm, and every season of battle leads to rest for those who trust in God. Entering into divine rest means stepping into a new season where God takes over your struggles, turns your battles into blessings, and causes you to enjoy peace and fruitfulness.
Therefore, as you rest in the Lord, fear not! The same God who fought your battles in the storm will now give you peace on every side. Your season of rest has begun — and it shall be permanent in Jesus’ name.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Thank You, Lord, for the promise of divine rest through Jesus Christ.
2. Father, I surrender every burden and anxiety at Your feet today.
3. Lord, give me the faith to enter fully into my season of rest.
4. Every storm troubling my life, I command you to cease in Jesus’ name.
5. Father, deliver me from the spirit of unbelief and fear.
6. Lord, silence every enemy resisting my peace and progress.
7. Father, let my family and ministry enjoy supernatural rest from battles.
8. Lord, establish Your peace in my heart and home permanently.
9. Father, let every unfinished battle in my life end in victory and rest.
10. Lord Jesus, usher me into a new season of lasting rest and joy.
