Anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his. (Heb. 4:10)
Expanded Passage: Hebrews 4:8-13
While preparing for an anniversary vacation with my wife, I began to run through everything that was needed to prepare for said trip. I planned everything for my time away from my job, moved appointments around, and planned out the work orders to be done a few days early with wiggle room for that “uh-oh” situation. I then made sure things around the house were checked and nothing was going to be left undone. Everything from childcare, to food, to taking the trash out a couple days earlier than normal so it was taken care of. The problem is that there are only twenty-four hours in a day, and all I really accomplished was wearing myself out for multiple days in a row and stressing that something might have to wait to get done. There are times in life we are frantic to tie up loose ends in order to prepare for what should be a relaxing time away from that same workload.
Even God, the creator of all known and unknown matter in the universe, took a break from his important works. God rested because his creation work was accomplished, but he wasn’t finished for all time! He continued to create after he rested.
Embrace the break, knowing God may be preparing you for grander works.
Jayson McGraw is the assistant pastor at Liberty Center Wesleyan Church of Liberty Center, Ohio. He also serves as Sunday school superintendent and leads the community outreach program.
© 2026 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
