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Hard work versus working from rest

Hard work versus working from rest 

by Toyosi Adegunle



Hey there!

It’s heart-to-heart o’clock! Back story, growing up, I used to think that plenty of work, lots of activities and engagement means productivity, success, and many achievements too. I liked the sound and thought of it. I wanted to be that person that could come through for anybody at any time and this mostly happens at the expense of my emotional, mental and spiritual stability. I wanted to put in a lot of work, more like investing so much work in a space to the extent that I believed more in the work and my effort than I trusted in God.

 “The horse is prepared for the day of battle, But deliverance is of the LORD.”- Proverbs 21:31 NKJV

This is my word, and maybe yours too. I do a lot and I end up subconsciously believing that my work and efforts will pay off. This is not to negate the place of hard work, focus and consistency, but I’m here to tell you that, while you work so hard, ensure three things:

  • Rest in the perfect peace of God
  • Trust in God, like you’ve not done anything
  • Don't normalize the concept of stress
It’s so easy to get lost in numerous activities that you begin to only see the amount of work you do as a the determining factor for your success in life. It’s either of this:

  • You think your work is what gave you all the good things of life that you have now
  • You think it’s your work that will take you to where you really want to be

Where do you belong? It’s not your fault that you are in any of these groups, but the systems of this world has made us believe that your work and efforts equals success - yes it does, most certainly, but what happens when you work so hard and still don’t find yourself where you really want to be? Would you still be hyped, joyous and happy? Yes, you should and you will, because joy is a part of our default setting.

“The blessing of the LORD makes one rich, And He adds no sorrow with it.” - Proverbs 10:22 NKJV.

I love the Yoruba interpretation of this scripture, it bangs and hits the akinwunmi of my bones (lol, as in, it is deep) and it just always reminds of the mercies and favour of God upon us. God is too faithful to leave you when the work system fails you.

If you have answers to these questions, please share with me - How much work did Jonah put into keeping his life in the belly of the fish? How much work did the Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego put into staying safe in a fire, how much work did you put into keeping yourself through 2020? Fam, in 2020 (cos it's not over yet) and 2021, and the other years to come, work hard, but trust in God harder, work well, but rest in the perfect peace of God better and much more because you would need a lot of it.

Jesus is the peace that calms the storm. You have Jesus in your boat, you have peace, no more fear, no more anxiety, no more fear of the unknown and the other many things around it because Jesus would always come through for your sanity, safety and sanctification.

Tell me below, what's the highlight of 2020 for you?

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Comments

  1. Ruth FasinaDecember 3, 2020 at 11:33 PM

    People of the World would stress when they do these things, as Children of God we should'nt, stress is not normal for Us, because we have help we are not left on our own...If only we would Listen God has something to say to Us about everything we do.

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownDecember 4, 2020 at 1:45 AM

    Thank you bro, this is indeed a timely word for me. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  3. SOLACE.December 5, 2020 at 7:26 PM

    I always get answers to lingering questions in my heart either from your newsletters or YouTube videos. Thank you Aunty Bibi for always coming through. I love you.

    ReplyDelete

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