* our rest is connected to our union

I think that this is the most transformational part in our quest to find true rest and what all the other parts are dependent upon. It is definitely the one that has changed my life and catapulted me towards everything God has for me. Everything that God is and has done for us is so we can have a relationship with Him.

As we have seen in this whole series, Jesus points us in the right direction and is our example in how to live. So, let’s look to Him again.

Matthew 3:13-17 tells us that Jesus was baptized and the Holy Spirit descended on Him.
We cannot hope to do this life without the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 4:3 tells us right after that; the Spirit led Jesus into the desert, where He fasted and spent time with God.
Before Jesus started His ministry He went alone to the desert to spend time with God and confront Satan. We see how Jesus used the Word of God to defeat Satan.

We cannot defeat the lies of the enemy in our lives without being connected to God.

I think we all have had moments where we are caught off guard by a situation or battle we suddenly find ourselves in, but we see that the Spirit LED Jesus into the wilderness. Remember that time Jesus told the disciples to cross the sea when they got caught in the storm. They were all obedient to do what they were told, but the difference was Jesus was prepared to do battle because His strength came from being connected to God and the disciples were not.
We will all have wilderness and storm experiences when we are being obedient and will need to rely on the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.

Some things I have learned in those times are: how far I’ve actually come in my walk with God because I don’t respond the way I used to or at least getting better at it; I see some areas I still need work in because of how I responded or held onto an attitude (etc); my faith is stronger than the last time I faced something similar; even when I mess up, God still loves me and is waiting with open arms to forgive me.

Jesus gives us a wonderful image on how this union works:

 “Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
~ John 15:4&5

If we have any hope of being fruitful, we need to be connected to God. A quick side note to remember that pruning is always a given when we want to bear fruit. It’s ok if you are a nub in an area in your life, your fruit is coming!

Depending on your season in life you may need to get creative on when and how you withdraw and connect.
When my kids were young I always found the shower to be an awesome place for a worship or prayer time. When my kids were a little bigger I would make them dinner and then go in my room and have time with God. When I was driving my kids e.v.e.r.y.w.h.e.r.e. I would bring a book and journal and sneak in moments while I was waiting. For years now I love going for walks and connecting to God through nature, sometimes I listen to podcasts, worship music or nothing at all. It can be with a friend, Dean or just me.

The point is that we actually take time to stay connected.

When we read about the life of Jesus we see crowds followed Him everywhere. He was always confronted with the needs of everyone pressing into Him and needing something.

If anyone had the pressure of not stopping and keep working, it was Jesus.

Even in the busyness of all the needs of ministry, Jesus knew the importance of withdrawing and living in a rhythm of rest and connection with God.

He also taught His disciples to get away and rest.

“Jesus said to them, ‘Come away with me.
Let us go alone to a quiet place and rest for a while.’
Many people were coming and going.
They could not even eat.”
~Mark 6:31

We – you and me – are His disciples. May I challenge us to listen to Him and follow what He modeled for us?

We have life because He breathed into us and we can continue to live this life because He continues to breathe into us. Remember the intimacy of God breathing into Adam, God is not far away. He is up close and personal. Let these words bring hope to your heart:

 “For the LORD your God is living among you.
He is a mighty savior.
He will take delight in you with gladness,
With his love, he will calm your fears.
He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”
~ Zeph. 3:17

 God, your God, loves you very much!

Let me take a quick minute to share a warning: as we make changes to our lives and implement Trust, Self-Discipline, Humility, Contentedness, Authenticity, Sabbath and having Union with God we need to be aware and alert!! Like Paul, we need to fight the good fight.

We need to expect push back, attacks, unhealthy habits and thoughts to sneak back in. We need to be prepared for battle if we are going to be truly free and walk in all God has for us. But we are not alone, God promises us that.

 “This is my command – be strong and courageous!
Do not be afraid or discouraged.
For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
~Joshua 1:9

Joshua was entering into the Promised Land, just like we are being called to step out into something new. Three times God told him to be strong and courageous. Before he was able to possess all that God had for him, he would have to fight.

So. Will. We.

In our time with God let’s take a few minutes to ask the Holy Spirit to show us our promise; to show us where we need to be strong and courageous to fight; to show us His heart for us; to show us where we need to re-align with Him.

And answer this question:
What are some creative ways we can withdraw and get connected with God?

Remember: Being new at something or an amateur means you will make mistakes as you learn. It is unreasonable to think that you are supposed to be great at something the minute you start it. We need to change our expectations and allow grace!!! We don’t need that kind of pressure in our lives!

There are many things we are all walking through and the most important thing that I have to give you - that has helped me - is to go to Jesus. Take everything to Him. He sees you. He loves you. Before you go, lean into the arms of Jesus as you listen to this song and meet with Jesus!

I hope you have a wonderful day!
All My Love ~
Jodi xoxo

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