Tag: jesus

Matthew 11:28-29

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

The most insane thing that could happen to a person is laboring beyond your capacity. The world has taken hustle culture and exalted its position as if it’s the pinnacle of production. The truth is, nobody is truly effective without proper rest and management of their skills and ability.

Jesus says to us to find rest while yoked to him. The imagery is extremely interesting. Imagine seeing two cows yoked together while plowing a field. From the outside looking in, it would appear that both are pulling with equal strength. However, you have one cow who is older and the other cow who is younger.

The more experienced cow is able to handle a greater load than the younger cow. The younger cow may have more energy, but it is not prepared for the workload that is ahead. So the farmer yokes them together so that the younger can learn from the elder. The yoke is set in such a way that if the younger falters the elder can carry the weight and still accomplish what needs to be done.

I’m learning now that God doesn’t need me to get things done. I am chosen to make things happen, but I am limited in my humanity. When I understand and embrace my humanity, I must lean heavily on my big brother Jesus. I must find rest while on the journey, knowing that this race is not a sprint, but a marathon.

Today, take Jesus up on his offer. If the labor has taken you beyond the brink, allow Christ to give you rest. Allow Christ to lighten the burden, so that you can continue on the journey ahead. Manage your energy and your rest.

I Kings 19:9-10

There he came to a cave and lodged in it. And behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” He said, “I have been very jealous for the LORD, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.”

Many times, we find ourselves isolated from the challenges and responsibilities of life. We deal with the internal struggle to continue in our mission and purpose. Sometimes, purpose can be an isolating feeling. The more we function in the will of God, the greater the distance we can feel from the elements of our lives.

We don’t always take the time to express ourselves. We don’t always feel safe enough to be honest about what we feel in moments of difficulty. We even struggle to tell God how we feel because we think it would demonstrate a lack of faith. Yet, God is always ready to hear our please, struggles, and concerns.

We must never take for granted the listening ear of our creator. We must take the healthy approach to relieve our stress and anguish so that we can continue on the journey that God has set for us. We must never forget that we serve a God who cares about all elements of our lives. Who knows? Our honesty with God may open the door to a solution to our struggle. Open yourself safely in the presence of God. God will always hold the deep things with care and sacredness.

Isaiah 54:15-17

If anyone stirs up strife, it is not from me; whoever stirs up strife with you shall fall because of you. Behold, I have created the smith who blows the fire of coals and produces a weapon for its purpose. I have also created the ravager to destroy; no weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall refute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD and their vindication from me, declares the LORD.”

One of the misnomers of life is when we become selective when it comes to God. People believe that a power greater than ourselves created everything in this universe, including people. However, that thought process comes into question when we encounter various people in various stages of their lives. 

At some point, we have to deal with critics, doubters, earth-disturbers, hateful individuals, and so many other negative people. We’re faced with their attitudes. We’re confronted by their hatred. We are challenged by their confrontational nature. Yet, God created them.

It can be very frustrating to realize that people full of confusion are actually created in the image and likeness of God. Yet, everything about their disposition does not reflect the love, grace, mercy, or positive nature of God. They embrace being vindictive. They embrace being contradictory. They embrace being confrontational.

Why do I feel calm when dealing with these type of individuals? It’s actually quite simple. Because I know their Creator, I am confident that said Creator already knows how to fix and alter the deficiencies that lie within. 

God promised those who live righteously that nothing formed with the intent to destroy will work against those whom God loves. I am guaranteed victory every time I am confronted by opposition in God created flesh. That means no matter what I face and opposition to my destiny and purpose. God already has a strategy to make certain that I prosper.

On this day, I don’t place energy into defending myself. I redirect my energy to fulfilling the will of God for my life. By doing this, I will be able to embrace, receive, and enjoy the fulfillment of God‘s will for my life. I don’t have time for foolishness. I only have time for heaven’s reward.