Embracing Sabbath and Using Your Spiritual Gifts for His Glory
“Trying to do the Lord’s work in your own strength is the most confusing, exhausting, and tedious of all work. But when you are filled with the Holy Spirit… then the ministry of Jesus just flows out of you.” —Corrie ten Boom
🌙 B = Bedtime for Rest & Be Open to the Holy Spirit
Have you ever viewed rest as a luxury, or maybe even a roadblock to productivity? I used to feel that way. But over time, I’ve learned that rest is not just permitted by God—it’s commanded. And it is a beautiful invitation to experience God’s presence, peace, and power. Let's explore this truth and the incredible calling we each have to use the gifts He’s given us.
Bedtime for Rest: Do I Value Physical Rest as a Gift from God, or Do I See It as an Interruption?
“Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work…”—Exodus 20:8–10 (KJV)
Sometimes, I’ve seen rest as a delay. There’s always more to do—dishes, deadlines, and duties. But when I choose to rest in obedience, something powerful happens. The work still gets done in six days. I don’t fully understand how, but I can testify: God blesses the time I surrender to Him.
When I come into Sabbath with burdens still weighing heavy on my heart, I don’t feel the restoration God desires to give. But when I surrender daily—each night handing over the day's weight to Jesus—I walk into the Sabbath light, free, and full of peace. And what a blessing it is to be yoked with Christ all week long!
“And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.” —Mark 6:31 (KJV)
Even Jesus encouraged His disciples to step away and rest. If the Savior of the world knew the value of stillness, how much more should we embrace it? Each evening, we’re invited to surrender the noise, the hustle, and the heaviness to Him. To "come apart before we come apart."
Be Open to the Holy Spirit: What Spiritual Gifts Has the Holy Spirit Given Me, and How Can I Use Them?
“Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal…But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.” —1 Corinthians 12:4–11 (KJV)
How amazing it is to know that the Holy Spirit gives unique gifts to each of us! God didn't make us identical copies—He handcrafted us with purpose. Some of us teach, others encourage, some lead, and others show mercy in the most beautiful ways. There is a place for every one of us in the body of Christ.
“Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.” —Romans 12:6–8 (KJV)
When we serve in the gifts God gave us, not only are others blessed, but our own hearts are filled with joy. It is one of the most rewarding experiences to know we’re walking in our divine calling. And when we do it for His glory, there's no room for pride—just gratitude.
“As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God;
if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” —1 Peter 4:10–11 (KJV)
I want God to help me fully rest in Him, use my gifts for His glory, and stay humble in the process. How about you?
🙏 A Prayer of Commitment
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the gift of rest and for the unique gifts You've placed within me. Help me honor Your command to rest, not just physically but spiritually—by laying down my burdens and trusting You daily. Fill me with Your Spirit, and guide me to use the talents You’ve given me to serve and bless others. Help me walk humbly, remembering that every gift is from You. May You be glorified in everything I do.In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
✅ Action Steps for You This Week
Schedule Rest: Block out time to truly rest—not just sleep, but unplug, worship, and refresh.
Surrender Nightly: Each evening, give God the day’s stress and thank Him for carrying you through.
List Your Gifts: Write down the talents and spiritual gifts God has given you. Ask others what they see in you.
Use Your Gifts: Choose one way this week to bless someone with your gift—teaching, encouraging, giving, or simply showing kindness.
Praise, Not Pride: Begin each task with a short prayer: “God, may You be glorified in this.”
When we rest in God's ways and walk in His purpose, we stop striving and start thriving.
