REST

Once a business owner went out with a few of his salesmen to test the interest in a new product they had developed. Their product was much better, but very different than the old one. They wished to see how homeowners would accept it, so they went out into a local neighborhood to see people’s response to the product. However, the people were not very open to their new idea. Some homeowners replied to their sales pitch, “Why should we try something new when the old works fine?” This irritated the salesmen.

While they were walking, they happened to pass a lake and stopped to take a rest. The owner told one of his salesmen, “I am thirsty. Please take my empty water bottle and get me some water from that lake.” The employee walked over to the lake. When he reached it, he noticed that some people were swimming in the water and right at that moment, a boat sped past making waves. As a result, the water became muddy and turbid. The employee thought, “How can I give this muddy water to my boss to drink?” He returned and told the boss, “The water there is very muddy. I don’t think it is fit to drink.”

The business owner replied, “Let us rest a while under the tree, here.” The salesmen rested, some even took a nap. After about half an hour, again the boss asked the same man to go back to the lake and fill his water bottle. The employee obediently walked back to the lake. This time he found that the lake had absolutely clear water. The mud had settled down and the water above it looked safe to drink. So, he collected some water in the bottle and brought it to the boss.

The boss looked at the water and then looked at the employee and said, “Understand, you left the water alone and the mud settled down on its own. Then you were able to draw out clear water and it didn’t require any effort on your part. Your mind is just like the water. When it is disturbed or irritated, just let it be. Give it a little time. It will settle down on its own. You don’t have to put in any effort to calm it down.

Anxiety, fear, are not the path to God. In turbulent times, Jesus was at peace. Rest in Him, and He will give you peace. As the Scriptures put it,

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me–put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:6-9

 

 

PATRICK LAI and his family have worked in SE Asia for other 37 years. His experience in doing business with Jesus has brought him to understand the meaning of work and worship in the marketplace. He started 14 businesses in four countries, six of which are still operating. Patrick and his wife, May, mentor and coach businesspeople working where there are few or no Christians. Check out Patrick’s latest book, Workship, now available in paperback and e-book.