LIFESHAPES: The Semi-Circle

God’s design for fruitful Living is to work from rest – Roald

From the very beginning, God created us for more than mere existence—He created us to work (Genesis 1:26–2:3). Yet, so often, we find ourselves exhausted, longing for the weekend, and caught in a cycle of burnout. Could it be that we’ve been approaching work the wrong way? What if, instead of resting from work, we began working from rest?

This is exactly how God designed us to thrive. When He created humankind, our first full day of existence wasn’t a day of labor—it was a day of rest (Genesis 1:26–2:3).

Would you like to experience life this way?

A Simple Illustration: The Semi-Circle

Draw a semi-circle and consider Jesus’ words in John 15:1–8.

Can we only work? Of course not. We all wear out, and we all need rest. But where does truly fruitful living come from?

Read John 15:1–5. Where does Jesus say fruitfulness begins?

If Jesus is the source of all true fruitfulness, how do we stay connected to Him and live a life that bears lasting fruit? Look at John 15:8—Jesus makes it clear that our fruitfulness is not about striving but about abiding. This is why we sometimes call rest a covenant-being—it is rooted in God’s promises, His unchanging character, and His faithful provision.

Now, picture the movement of a pendulum swinging from rest to work. How does this perspective shift your view of fruitful labor? When you truly soak in God’s presence and promises, what do you naturally find yourself wanting to do? How does your desire to act, serve, and speak change when it flows from a foundation of rest rather than exhaustion?

Even as you pursue a Kingdom-centered life, how does it feel different when your efforts are fueled by God’s unending commitment and provision rather than your own strength?

The Semi-Circle: A Rhythm of Rest and Work

The semi-circle represents a pendulum swinging between rest and work. This rhythm isn’t just about taking breaks—it reflects God’s natural design for growth and pruning.

Think about Jesus’ words in John 15:2:

“Every branch that does bear fruit, He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.”

At first, pruning may seem counterproductive—why would God cut back something that’s already growing? But consider how a vine works:

Overgrown branches become too heavy with fruit and begin to sag.
Runaway growth in one area can hinder development in another.
Unpruned branches weaken over time, limiting future fruitfulness.

We were not designed for constant, unchecked growth. God built rest into our very DNA.

Has God Been Pruning You?

Think about your life—can you see times when God pruned you? Maybe a success was cut short. Maybe you felt limited, unable to produce, or forced into a season of stillness.

How could this season be deepening your dependence on God? What if His pruning isn’t punishment but an act of love—preparing you for even greater fruitfulness?

Rest as the Engine for Growth

Abiding in Christ is not passive—it is the very engine for growth. Jesus Himself regularly withdrew to rest and be with His Father (Mark 1:35–37). If He needed this rhythm, how much more do we?

Ask yourself:

How can I align my whole self with what I know to be true about Jesus?
What intentional practices can help me stay connected to Him?

Reflection & Action Questions

What does your current rest-work balance look like? If nothing changes in the next 1–3 months, what will be the outcome?
Based on what you’re learning, what is God inviting you to do differently?
Would it help to create a strategy for abiding and resting in God?
Let’s get specific—when will you do this? Would it help if I {call, text, or share some ideas}?
What will be different in your life when you truly embrace this rhythm? What do you hope will change in you?

Practical Ways to Abide

📖 Start Here: Reading God’s Word and praying are foundational to experiencing transformation. Try this simple approach:

📖 Read & Ask: What do I see about God? If this is true of Him, what’s true for me? How can I live in a way that helps others see Him clearly?

Other powerful practices include:

Intentional solitude – Set aside time away from people, phones, and distractions to focus solely on God (Mark 1:35–37).
Sabbath rhythms – Plan regular times of worship, reflection, and rest to realign your heart with God’s purposes.

Starting the Conversation

Need help engaging others in this conversation? Try these openers:

💬 If someone says they feel exhausted or overwhelmed:
👉 “That sounds tough. Can I ask—do you find yourself resting from work or working from rest? I’d love to show you a simple way to think about this.”

💬 If someone feels distant from God:
👉 “Sometimes when we feel ‘off’ spiritually, it’s because we’ve pushed ourselves too hard. Can I show you a way to reset and refresh?”

God designed you for fruitful living, not constant striving. When you embrace His rhythm of abiding and working, you’ll discover a life of deeper purpose, joy, and peace. – Roald

Will you take the next step toward truly working from rest?