In Matthew 11:28-30, we hear the Lord speaking to us, saying "Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, 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 in your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
When I read this passage, I think of the popular saying, "Lord there is nothing which will be given to me that you and I can't handle." This can be a big task! It brings back a memory from a number of years ago. I had always been the active one in an organization I had joined. Suddenly, I was not. It was as if I had dropped off the planet. I wasn't returning phone calls, nor was I carrying out needed responsibilities as a member of the group. Finally, I got up my nerve, calling the group's president. I said I was sure she was wondering what had happened to me. Speaking in a cool tone, she was indeed wondering why I was not being involved. I began to explain to her what was going on in my life at that time. There were problems with one of our children, serious problems. I had been ill, quite ill. Aside from these two issues, there were many other drastic happenings going on in my life. By the time I finished speaking, her voice was warm and heartfelt. She said to me, "You know, I think sometimes God does give us more than we can handle." I broke down in tears at her kind words.
Yes, it did seem it was more than I could handle. But, I kept talking to God, feeling closer to him than if everything had been going perfect in my life. God gave me the privilege of having him close to me in my heart throughout day and night. I got to constantly recall Christ's passion and how he sacrificed himself out of love for me, so I could have a better life. I told myself if Christ could endure tremendous hardships, I could too. He would be there to help me carry my heavy burdens, if only I would remember to let him do so. His door was narrow, but I had the chance to enter it and let his yoke fall upon me. He could give my soul a chance to be calm, instead of being in constant turmoil.
I did make it through those hard times. It did help me to hear that it seems I was given too much to handle, but God knew better than I that I could handle what was presented to me. I could rise to the top. It wouldn't be an easy ride, but the struggles led me to be only closer to God. Because of my closeness to him, I never gave up. I never even came close to giving up. I didn't need to. God was there to carry me.
Aha! It is no wonder He uses your life (daily)as an example, to show those seeking Him what He can do. You write here of when you, as His child, Marie, relied on Him with several heavy burdens. You leaned, trusted, and rested in His power to overcome all that plucked you out of the activities during that very difficult time. It is so good to know that especially when circumstances can swirl around us with such a force, and from many directions, (seemingly intent to maim emotional stability and to even snuff out physical life), we can find that needed rest in Him. He truly is our "hiding place" in times of trouble. He gives us what we need to seek him, find him, and with that special closeness, regain the ability to function again in His power. Miraculous. Thank you for sharing and reminding me of His grace.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Leenie, for your beautiful words!
ReplyDelete