Letting Go of the Tools That Built Nothing
Just as a well-prepared soup needs no stirring, our spiritual life needs no striving—just trust in the finished work of Jesus.
Devotional Credit:
Day by Day by Grace – by Bob Hoekstra
Photo Credit:
Unsplash
God has promised His people more than just freedom from sin’s penalty. He offers rest. A rest that goes beyond initial salvation. A rest that invites us to cease striving in our own strength. Hebrews 4 assures us that this deeper rest is still available to God’s people today. It is not just rest from guilt, but rest from self-effort. Not only forgiveness, but freedom from the burden of trying to be the source of our own spiritual growth.
The passage reminds us that entering this rest requires a full surrender of our own works, just as God ceased from His own after creation. The Christian life is not fueled by ambition or grit, but by grace. Paul’s life bore this truth. He labored more than any of his peers, yet said it was not he, but the grace of God working through him. Paul had learned to rest, not to strive. He admitted his own insufficiency and rejoiced in the sufficiency that came from God alone.
This rest is not passive. It is a yielded posture of trusting the Spirit of Jesus to do what only He can do. We do not add to Christ’s finished work. We simply walk in what He has already prepared. Our role is not to create something for God, but to step into the works He’s already fashioned for us to walk in. This is the way of peace, fruitfulness, and freedom.
Jesus has already said, “It is finished.” Redemption is complete. And so is your invitation to rest—not by doing nothing, but by ceasing from doing everything as if it depended on you.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
You are not your own source. You were bought at a price, and that price has already secured your rest. I am not asking you to build something for Me. I am inviting you to walk in what I have already finished. You do not need to strive to grow, perform, or produce. The works I have prepared for you are not born out of pressure, but grace.
You are My workmanship. The life you now live is not your own to manage, fuel, or fix. I live in you. You were crucified with Me, and now I am your life. Cease from your own works. Lay down the tools of self-reliance. I did not call you to improve your old self. I called you to rest in My sufficiency. My grace is sufficient for you. Your adequacy is from Me. I delight in you, not because of your performance, but because you are in Me.
Rest is not a reward. It is your birthright in Me. I finished the work of your redemption. I have made you righteous. I have secured your place. Now walk with Me in the works I have already made ready. Trust My presence. Rely on My power. Let your heart be still. You are safe in Me.
Scripture References: Hebrews 4:4, 9–10, Galatians 2:20, 2 Corinthians 3:5, 1 Corinthians 15:10, John 19:30, Ephesians 2:10, 1 Corinthians 6:20, Romans 6:6–11
Real-Life Analogy
Imagine trying to stir a pot of soup that’s already been perfectly blended and seasoned by a master chef. Every movement you make only clouds the broth and disturbs the balance. The best thing to do is to stop stirring and simply savor it. That’s how resting in Jesus works. When we try to mix in our own efforts, we muddle what has already been made perfect.
Today, as you face your to-do list or sense pressure to “do better,” pause. Consider whether you are reaching for the spoon when the soup is already finished. Instead of trying to make things happen, whisper from your heart, “Lord, I trust You to express Your life through me in this moment. I yield to what You’ve already prepared.” Whether it is a conversation, a task, or a quiet moment, allow Him to lead without interference.
Prayer of Confidence
Lord, I thank You that I don’t have to carry the burden of self-made growth. You have given me rest, not just from guilt, but from the exhausting need to produce fruit from my own strength. I rejoice that You have already finished the work. My part is to walk in what You’ve prepared. I rest in You. I trust Your life in me to bring forth everything that pleases You today. I no longer need to stir what You’ve already completed. Thank You for making rest my way of life.