The Pause and the Pursuit

As by faith Abraham went forth at the call of God, "not knowing whither he went" (Heb. 11:8); as by faith Israel followed the pillar of cloud to the Promised Land, so did these Gentiles go forth to find the promised Saviour. The Eastern country abounded in precious things, and the magi did not set out empty-handed. It was the custom to offer presents as an act of homage to princes or other personages of rank, and the richest gifts the land afforded were borne as an offering to Him in whom all the families of the earth were to be blessed. It was necessary to journey by night in order to keep the star in view; but the travelers beguiled the hours by repeating traditional sayings and prophetic utterances concerning the One they sought. At every pause for rest they searched the prophecies; and the conviction deepened that they were divinely guided. While they had the star before them as an outward sign, they had also the inward evidence of the Holy Spirit, which was impressing their hearts, and inspiring them with hope. The journey, though long, was a happy one to them. (The Desire of Ages, p. 60).

Observation:  In this paragraph we find a blessed prescription for spiritual joy and fulfillment... pause and pursuit, following and resting, doing God's bidding and abiding in His love.  When we walk with Christ, we should also expect to rest with Christ.  Jesus said to His disciples:

"Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while."" (Mark 6:31 NKJV)

The answer in success is not the pursuit of greater success, it is first and foremost... Rest.  Before we can move on, we must stop moving.  Before we can take the next step, we are invite to take off our sandals... maybe sit beside a quite stream, and put our feet in the water, and feel the warm sun, and the gentle breeze, and let our hearts be filled with the favor our Father.  Before we can conquer again, we are invited to submit to the silence... to be still and know that He is God.  This is the invitation of our Savior.

And so, as the wise men stopped to rest, they would search the prophecies Desire of Ages tells us.  What is your quest in rest? What is mine?

Prayer:  O Jesus, in moments of rest teach me to seek Your face.  Often I am tempted to turn to worldly pleasures.  And certainly there are blessings in this world that you provide for my moments of rest.  But Jesus, I want more then moments in front of the tube, more than just Facebooking and channel surfing.  Teach me to rest in You.  Teach me to find my solace and retreat at Your feet.  Teach me to come apart to a quiet place.  Teach me in those moments to sometimes search the Scriptures and sometimes be still and know that You are God... to be still and know that I am loved by You... to be still and know that every success is a gift from Your hand.  Teach me to give all the glory back to You as I rest in Your finished work.  Teach me to embrace Your invitation:

"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (Matthew 11:28–29 NKJV)