(28) Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (29) 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. (30) For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
Sunday afternoon, the weather was overcast and cold, but I walked through the woods and later built a fire. What a blessing, to be able to sit still outdoors with two good dogs for company beside the warmth of a fire.
The previous night I’d tossed and turned, overwhelmed with worry for the children who attend our Wednesday night program at church. Many who come to our church show up for the free meal. It overwhelms me as I consider the families’ material needs as I prayer-walk through their neighborhood on Thursday mornings with a friend. When I walk among the trailer homes, I feel the same oppression of darkness as when I walk through an African village in Niger. I feel helpless to make a difference in the lives of these families as I do when I’m in Africa. Satan wants me to give up. He wants me to feel discouraged. He wants me to believe things will never change. It comforts me to know though I am weak and inadequate, Jesus is not.
During our church service, we watched a video featuring a missionary friend who lives and works in Africa. Listening to his message, I remembered the words of one his converts in Niger. “You can never bring enough food to feed the hungry, nor enough medical supplies to treat the sick, but you can share the bread of life with everyone you meet when you visit our country. Oh, to have his wisdom. To meet this man, you would consider him poor. He is a Christian, surrounded by Muslims, living in one of the poorest countries on earth. Yet, he is more wealthy than the richest man on earth who doesn’t proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord.
I’ve been carrying a burden that’s not mine. I cannot fix the poor and the sick, but I can tell everyone I know about Jesus, the most wonderful gift ever given. I can love them as Jesus loves me, and I can pray for them.
I am thankful for the blessing of time alone with God on Sunday afternoon. During the time spent in prayer, he took my burdens. I confess, I’ve been weary and fretful, but not without hope. I’m praying for more workers and I’m asking God to somehow, miraculously, to meet the needs of everyone in my small ministry. God gifted me with the peace that surpasses all understanding.
If you too are weary, and worried, Just turn everything over to Jesus. Surrender…, and he will meet your needs too and fill your heart with peace. Thank you, Jesus.
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord, Romans 6:23 ESV
