Life-Giving Words of Hope & Encouragement

In the Old Testament, priests constantly offered sacrifices to atone for the people’s sins. Their work never ended; they always strived to earn God’s favor. But when Jesus was crucified, He declared, “It is finished,” signaling the end of this cycle of striving. With His sacrifice, Jesus fulfilled the law and established a new covenant of grace. No more sacrifices, no more striving—just rest in His finished work.

After Jesus ascended, Scripture says He sat at the right hand of the Father, symbolizing rest. This is a reminder that the battle is already won. In Ephesians, Paul tells us that we are seated with Christ in heavenly places. This isn’t just a theological concept; it’s an invitation to live from a place of peace and trust, knowing that God’s victory is already ours.

Rest doesn’t mean inactivity—it means doing everything from a place of peace and trusting God to handle what we cannot. Whether dealing with finances, health, or relationships, rest means saying, “God, I believe You’re working on my behalf.”

David understood this well, saying, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.” He knew the battle wasn’t his alone. Over and over, God tells His people to “Be still, and you will see the deliverance of the Lord.”

True peace comes when we stop striving and let God take the lead. We’re still responsible, praying, and dreaming, but we do it from a place of rest. The Bible compares believers to eagles, and for good reason. Eagles are designed to soar above the storm, using the winds to rise higher. In life, we have a choice to get caught up in the chaos or rise above it.

When crows annoy an eagle mid-flight, the eagle doesn’t fight back. It simply flies higher, beyond the reach of the crows. Similarly, when distractions and conflicts arise in our lives, we don’t need to engage in every battle. We can rise higher, trusting that God will handle what’s beyond our control.

Hebrews reminds us to “labor to enter into God’s rest.” It’s hard to rest when everything around us feels urgent, but rest doesn’t mean doing nothing. It means surrendering control, knowing that God is at work even when we can’t see it. We can trust God’s plan rather than trying to fix everything ourselves. Saying, “God, I trust You. I know You’ve already made a way;” this brings peace.

Even eagles need renewal. When they molt, they shed old feathers and grow new ones. Similarly, when we rest in God, He renews and transforms us. Isaiah 40:31 promises that those who wait on the Lord will “renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles.” This renewal is spiritual, physical, emotional, and mental. It’s the strength to rise above challenges and the courage to trust God’s timing.

The battle has already been won. Jesus didn’t just die for your sins—He rose to secure your victory. Whatever you’re facing today, God has already made a way. Living from rest means we don’t have to worry about what might go wrong. We can trust that God is working everything for our good.

Imagine living like an eagle—soaring above life’s storms, free from worry and fear. This is the life God invites you to live. He doesn’t want you weighed down by burdens. He wants you to soar. If you feel overwhelmed today, remember that you don’t have to carry it all. God is offering you a seat of rest. Take it. Trust Him. Let go of the need to strive and allow Him to renew your strength.

When you live from rest, even the biggest challenges become stepping-stones. Your storms will lift you higher, and your struggles will lead to breakthroughs. God has already written your story, and it’s one of victory and purpose. So, take your seat, spread your wings, and fly high like an eagle, knowing the One who carries you is faithful to finish what He started. I hope this speaks to you, and I pray you have a blessed day!