by Karen Sargent
Our 15th Annual Be The Word Leadership Conference was titled Rest in the Finished Work. Our speakers gave anointed and powerful messages to help us enter the rest, and trust in the finished work of the cross. Jesus paid it all. His death was the atoning sacrifice that paid not only for our salvation, but our healing, and wholeness.
Here Are Some Reflections
Dr. Johnnie opened the conference with a powerful testimony of how he and his wife Donis have had to apply the Word to their lives this year like never before. In the first half of this year, Ms. Donis (or Dee) was hospitalized and given many bad reports including stage 4 bone cancer. The doctors told them to get her affairs in order several times.
Through it all, the Word was their firm foundation and the Rock on which they stand. Not only did Ms. Dee receive a report that she may not live, but at the same time Dr. Johnnie was battling leukemia. He too almost died. They were both in the fight of their lives at the same time. But this was their opportunity to stand on their faith that Jesus paid it all. What a victory to have them both declared cancer free! It was a powerful testimony to have them both speaking at the conference this year! We celebrate the faithfulness of God!
What Are Some Keys To Resting In The Finished Work?
First, Dr. Johnnie shared that it’s important to remember that Jesus was made wisdom unto us (1 Corinthians 1:30). The Holy Spirit is in us and has already given us what we need (2 Peter 1:3). The promise that the Work of the Cross is finished is the key that holds it all together.
Secondly, faith comes by hearing (Romans 10:17) He and Ms. Dee continually fed themselves the Word of God by listening to messages and speaking the Word over their bodies and the whole situation.
Next, Dr. Johnnie shared that it’s crucial to remember the Word moves the mountain, and not let the mountain move you. That means stand firm on the Word, and rest. Ms. Dee shared that resting in the finished work shows trust in God. The only way to rest is if you trust God. And when you stop working, then you put yourself in position to receive. When we learn to rest in the Lord, we stop trying to do things in our own strength. It’s impossible to rest when we are trying to do it alone. Our labor only leads to more work. Resting means we stop striving, we are inactive, and we are not moved. Resting on God implies receiving support, and staying in a position to receive.
The Importance Of Vision
Another important part of the equation is vision. Dr. Johnnie shared that he would meditate on being at the 2024 conference and see Ms. Dee speaking, and in good health. He held onto visions of her years into the future, that they would be dancing at the weddings of their grandchildren.
What Can We Learn From This Testimony?
Apply the Word of God and watch your circumstances change. You have power in your mouth, so speak life. It’s in Christ that we live and move and have our being (Galatians 2:20).
Another key is to ask the Holy Spirit to teach us and reveal to us the divine plans of salvation for our lives. Then our next step is to participate, or cooperate with the Holy Spirit. When we work with Him, life will go well. Standing on the promise that the Work of the Cross is finished is the key that holds it all together. We who have received Christ are in right standing with God.
Hosea 4:6 says “My people perish for lack of knowledge.” What knowledge do we lack? The knowledge that our righteousness is in Christ. Knowing that we have been made whole; that Christ in us is the hope of glory or the manifested will of God. Focus on who you are in Christ, and develop your relationship with Him.
What Is Your Vision?
Spend time seeing yourself beyond the circumstances. Envision yourself whole and complete lacking no good thing. See yourself doing what you love and bringing God glory at the same time.
In Matthew 11:28, Jesus says “Come unto me all you who are weary and heavy laden. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me. I will ease and release and refresh you.”
Claiming this scripture and applying it to our life means giving him our burdens and things that weigh us down. In turn we receive ease and that’s the opposite of disease. We receive release and refreshment from our Savior.
Look At Hebrews 4:1-2
“God’s promise of entering his rest still stands, so we ought to tremble with fear that some of you might fail to experience it. For this good news—that God has prepared this rest—has been announced to us just as it was to them. But it did them no good because they didn’t share the faith of those who listened to God”.
So it is up to us to listen to God and share the faith for the good news to affect our lives! Remember weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. Psalm 30:5
Stand Strong In Your Faith
Be encouraged and emboldened by Hebrews 10:35-36. Patience and endurance is what leads us to receive the promises “Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise.”
Receive The Promises With Joy!
Finally, remember to count it all joy. James tells us that it is for our good when troubles come and tests our faith. James 1:2-4 AMP says, “Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace]. And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing.”
Remember The Work Is Finished!
In conclusion, each one of us has our own battle. Either we were, we are, or we will be contending with some situation that challenges us. But praise God that He is the same yesterday, today and forever. He is the God who was, is and ever more will be. Jesus already paid the price and along with salvation gave us healing and everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). Our “work” is to receive it and enter the rest. Applying the Word to our lives is how we rest in the finished work of the cross. Hebrews 4:3 For we who have believed do enter that rest, as He has said: “So I swore in My wrath, ‘They shall not enter My rest,’ ” although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
