Jesus was constantly on the go during His short time on earth.

He was teaching, ministering, healing, casting out evil spirits, encouraging, sending out his disciples and generally being available to everyone who approached Him. The activity coming at Him was non-stop!

But even with His busy schedule, Jesus often would seek moments of quiet and solitude. The Holy Scriptures state in Mark 6:30-32 that at one point, in the middle of all the miracles that He and the apostles were performing …

“The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.”

At SIU, we are learning, as a missionary family along with our indigenous partners and grassroots leaders all around the world, that wearing oneself out entirely and burning out is a very real risk that we need to be on guard against.

Thankfully, Jesus reveals in Matthew 11:28-30 where true rest is found …

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (NIV)

So how are you finding the rest you need to maximize God’s Kingdom impact?  What is your “boat in a solitary place”?  What are ways you are finding rest?

I’m very interested in hearing from you.

13 replies
  1. E C Haskell
    E C Haskell says:

    Kent, this is a good reminder. I find rest in reading, not only the Word but good books both religious and secular. I also enjoy walking especially out in Gods beautiful nature.

    Praying for you , Missy, the kids, and your ministry.

    Reply
  2. Rose Mutave Muketha
    Rose Mutave Muketha says:

    SIU. I love you so much and your teaching, I personally am one of the beficiary of your ministry have learned a lot from you, and the teaching are helping me to reach the unreach people groups in orality way. Along south coast ukunda mombasa Kenya
    Thanks

    Reply
    • Kent Kiefer
      Kent Kiefer says:

      Hi Rose,
      What kind words for our team and the Lord’s work through our partners all around the world. We thank God for you and your work along the Southern Coast of Mombasa Kenya and making disciples of oral learners! God bless, Kent

      Reply
  3. John Payne
    John Payne says:

    It is interesting that the “quiet place” Jesus and the disciples went to, a crowd of 5,000 men plus problems some women and children were waiting for them. So when we seek rest in our own strength, our efforts may be frustrated. I agree that we need to rest in Jesus. He will provide the quiet places we need, when we patiently trust him.

    Reply
    • Kent Kiefer
      Kent Kiefer says:

      Hi John,

      What a great point and story application! We can never find rest through our one devices and selfish choices BUT only though seeking Him. Blessings to you, your family and your team, Kent

      Reply
    • Kent Kiefer
      Kent Kiefer says:

      Hi John,

      What a great point and story application! We can never find rest in our devices and own selfish choices BUT only in seeking Him. Blessings to you, your family and your team, Kent

      Reply
  4. Dan Vannelli
    Dan Vannelli says:

    Kent, We can get so busy or stressed out we forget how to rest or how important it is. Thank goodness of quiet mornings and time spent with the LORD. Such an important way to begin our day…

    Reply
  5. Kent Kiefer
    Kent Kiefer says:

    So true brother Dan! The early, quiet mornings are also my favorite time to seek and find rest in the Lord. His tender mercies are afresh everyday. Blessings to you and Pam, Kent

    Reply
  6. Paul White
    Paul White says:

    Kent, thank you so much for this. Great reminder about rest – and that as believers we put our faith not in a set of principles… but in a person, Jesus Christ – and we go to Him everything including love, joy, peace, rest, etc and most importantly salvation! Love you my dear brother! Thank you for your leadership and faithfulness! Blessings, Paul

    Reply

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About Kent Kiefer

Kent Kiefer is the CEO & Executive Director of Scriptures in Use (SIU). He has over 20 years of International Ministry experience; in his eighth year with SIU, and previously four years with a faith-based International Missions’ Sending Agency (“ABWE”) and eight years with a faith-based International Parachurch ministry (“Focus on the Family”).

Kent has a heart and passion for “reaching the unreached” and believes strongly that the oral arts, communication bridges training approach designed specifically for the indigenous men and women of peace around the world is one of the most effective means to reach the nations with the Gospel.

Kent is widowed after his wife Melissa (“Missy”) was promoted into Glory in November ‘21 after a 14-year battle with Parkinsons Disease, and has four children (two college age and two teenagers). The Kiefers are involved with two local churches with the body of Christ in Southeast Tucson (“Grace Church of Sahuarita” and “Pantano Christian”).