Finding His Rest

Hebrews 4:1-2 (MSG)
¹ For as long, then, as that promise of resting in him pulls us on to God's goal for us, we need to be careful that we're not disqualified.
² We received the same promises as those people in the wilderness, but the promises didn't do them a bit of good because they didn't receive the promises with faith.

The people referenced in the wilderness are those Israelites who were freed from the bonds of slavery in Egypt and were on their way to Canaan, the Promised Land.  But they didn’t make it because of unbelief and disobedience.  Despite the many miracles they witnessed, they could never trust in God and believe that He would take care of them.  Many times they longed to be back in Egypt, though life there had grown harsh.  It was a life they knew, and even though they were slaves, it seemed more attractive than relying on God in a journey filled with uncertainty. 

They had heard the promises, but they did not believe them in their heart.  The struggle with faith continues today.  There are times when a believer may wonder where God is in the midst of a trial.  Not seeing the future forces us to place our trust in God as we wander through our own places of wilderness.  Who among us can say we’ve never struggled with doubt?  There are many among us who have grown up in the church, worshiping and doing all the right things outwardly, that have never given their heart to Jesus.  They accept the promises with their mind, but have not received them in the heart. 

Jesus alone sees the heart and He alone will judge.  The heart that has been given to Him with faith will not be left in the wilderness.  He will be with us and guide us, and though we can't see the future, we know we will find His rest.