"And God will provide rest for you who are being persecuted and also for us when the Lord Jesus appears from heaven. He will come with His mighty angels, in flaming fire, bringing judgment on those who don't know God and on those who refuse to obey the Good News of our Lord Jesus."
Two things make me want to study God's word more when I read this scripture. First, "God will provide rest..." Our rest might not come now but it will come and it will be wonderful. Jesus tells us in Matthew chapter 11 verse 28, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." That is for us now and the more we come to Him the more we feel at ease.
I am so thankful for my relationship and what Jesus has done for me with His rest because a life with 7 kids can get tiring. Every morning I thank God for life and ask for guidance through my day. Just being able to do that gives me peace and helps me keep my focus. When I am focused I am more beneficial and I am a light shining Jesus and not myself.
Another verse that I like to read when I am getting tired from the daily routine is Jeremiah chapter 12 verse 5 which says, "If racing against mere men makes you tired, how will you race against horses...?" As we accept Christ our lives are going to be full because we agree to die to self and think of others as better than ourselves. The responsibility to learn and grow helps us be a good witness for Jesus and it takes us being aware of the new life Jesus has promised us.
The second thing that makes me want to study God's word is; "He will come with His mighty angels, in flaming fire, bringing judgement on those who don't know God and on those who refuse to obey the Good News of our Lord Jesus." This is because I never want to be in belief but not desire to change or grow. The demons believed in Jesus but chose to live for themselves. The belief didn't make them have a relationship with Him it just made them know of Him. Knowing Him does nothing for us if we don't open our hearts and let God transform us. Look at what Jesus says in Matthew chapter 7 verse 21, "Not everyone who calls out to me, Lord! Lord! will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter." We must make our belief grow to faith and we must keep our faith growing by knowing God's word and letting it change our lives.
It's not about earning anything, Jesus' gift for us is free but no gift is worth anything if we don't use it. I want to finish with Philippians chapter 2 verse 12 which says, "Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I'm away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear." Never stop praying for growth and wisdom, then apply what you have learned to your life so your faith is seen true and your life glorifies God. Amen