A New Year of Rest

“…You can’t force these things. They only come about through My Spirit…” Zechariah 4:6 msg

The best thing you can resolve to do in 2018 is to rest in what Jesus has done. The life of grace and intimacy with your Savior, is the life of trusting more and trying less. His unconditional love invites you into the unforced rhythms of grace by letting go of trying to “fix” yourself and letting Him do for you what you can’t do for yourself.

Did you know He’s actually attracted to your weaknesses and can’t wait for you to brag about them? Why? Because when you realize your need for Him, His grace explodes there. Society shouts “Be more and do more!” But Jesus reminds you, at the cross, He took your place and gave you His so you can be loved as you are and rest in what He’s done…to receive the desires of your heart instead of strive for them.

What is it you are hoping for this year? To be healthier physically? To be free from an addiction or from debt? Beloved, those desires are His. He knows your heart. But trying to attain them in your own strength will only lead to more frustration. It’s why New Years resolutions don’t work. Jesus invites you to bring them to Him and let His Spirit bring them to pass as you trust and enjoy Him.

He waits for you to place your every longing into His hands. Your dependence on Him (not your flesh) will open the flood gate of His undeserved favor and life-changing transformation within you. He loves to hear “I can’t Lord, but you can.” Let Jesus bring you freedom in those areas you’ve been trying so hard to change. Let go of your self-sufficiency and watch what He does!

“Man is never so near grace as when he begins to feel he can do nothing at all.” – Charles Spurgeon

“But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you…for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me!”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭12:9‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

Happy, Restful and Blessed New Year to you and yours!

Resting In His Love,

Annalee Reyes