How To Labor Into Your Rest | Jonathan Cahn Sermon

How To Labor Into Your Rest | Jonathan Cahn Sermon

Life in God often presents us with paradoxes, and one such mystery is the concept of entering God’s rest. To experience the blessings and fullness of His Shabbat—the Sabbath rest—we are called to labor to enter it. This seems contradictory: how can one labor to rest? Let’s explore two scriptures that appear unrelated yet share a profound connection.

Hebrews 4:9-11

Matthew 13:44-46

At first glance, these scriptures may seem disconnected, yet they reveal an essential truth about living a dynamic, fruitful life in God. The idea of “laboring to rest” teaches us that rest in God is not passive. The Hebrew word for Sabbath, Shabbat, stems from the root Shabat, meaning “to cease” or “to stop.” Even in God’s act of resting on the seventh day, there was intentionality and purpose—it was an active cessation.

This paradox reflects the deeper truth that to enter God’s rest, we must surrender striving in the flesh and align our efforts with God’s will. It’s not about anxiety-driven actions or rushing to perform, but about seeking Him wholeheartedly. For example, consider the story of someone hurrying to a seminar about “practicing the peace of God.” They might drive recklessly, disobey traffic laws, and arrive filled with stress—all in an effort to learn about peace. This behavior misses the very essence of God’s rest: peace and trust in Him.

God’s rest invites us to slow down and focus on what truly matters: His presence, His purpose, and His peace. As we pursue this rest, we must guard against becoming consumed by the journey and losing sight of the destination. Let us be diligent to labor—not with anxious toil, but with intentional, faith-filled effort—to enter His divine rest.

Call to Action:
Explore the depths of God’s rest in your daily walk. Reflect on areas where striving has replaced trust and take a moment to align your efforts with God’s will. Share this message, subscribe for more reflections, and join us in living a dynamic life of faith.