There’s a reason why movies about heroes tend to be box office hits. We really like the idea of heroes. We aspire to be heroes. As a result, we’re our own worst enemies when it comes to resting. Maybe this wouldn’t be a problem if we were machines. Since we’re not, we must know our limits and take our God-given moments of rest.

There’s nothing heroic about burnout. Sure, there’s something noble about pushing through to the end (ala The Last Five Percent); however, life is a marathon. How successful is a runner if they don’t understand how to pace themselves in a race? In life, we’re running to win, right? It’s the outcome we’re after, not the fleeting moments of “heroism”. Be careful of who’s cheering you on and when. The kingdom of darkness loves to see God’s children exhausted, ready to quit.

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize?

So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things.

They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.
- 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

For some of us, this “self-control” that Paul wrote about implies taking a rest and/or slowing down for a while. This is a critical aspect of success. Have you ever seen a gassed runner? It’s painful to watch, especially as the other runners pass them, finishing ahead of them in the race. Push too hard for too long and you risk serious injury (ala Stress Fractures) that may take you out of commission for a while.

For the overly ambitious, self-control implies restraint. When the Lord gives us time to rest, we must take it. There’s always tomorrow to pick up where you left off. Even Jesus, the greatest “runner” of all time, took time to rest. We can learn a lot about how He rested.

But now even more the report about him went abroad, and great crowds gathered to hear him and to be healed of their infirmities. But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray.
- Luke 5:15-16

Godly rest always includes prayer and intimate fellowship with the Lord. This helps to restore and rejuvenate us, like a cup of cool water during a race. Can you imagine running a marathon without drinking any water along the way?

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
- Psalm 23:1-3

Jesus encouraged His disciples to take breaks.

The apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves.
- Mark 6:30-32

Contrary to popular belief, God doesn’t need us to accomplish His will. He does just fine without us trying to be heroes for His name’s sake. If, instead of resting, you work even harder, what are you accomplishing other than building something that God hasn’t ordained? The Bible calls this type of production “wood, hay, and straw” (1 Corinthians 3:12) – it is burned up under the scrutiny of God’s judgment.

Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.
- Psalm 127:1-2

It’s a privilege to work hard for the Lord; it pleases Him, thoroughly. However, since we are running to win, we must exercise self-control and rest as required. And while you’re at it, enjoy the fruit of your labor, for this is God’s will for you!

What gain has the worker from his toil?

I have seen the business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.

I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God's gift to man.
- Ecclesiastes 3:9-13

Rest is a close friend of winners.

Love in Christ,

Ed Collins