I was out in the village yesterday, sitting on a mat on the floor of the church structure, when the young man who was teaching started reading from the book of Matthew.
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. – Matthew 11:28-30
As I looked around the room, I was struck by what I knew about the lives of those in the room.
Many were weary and burdened.
Many were seeking relief.
- The woman who lost her adult daughter six months ago from HIV.
- The young mother who lost her three month old baby this year.
- The woman whose husband left her for another woman.
- The old woman who can’t walk and has to completely rely on friends and family.
It’s not the first time I’ve questioned that verse. We long for rest from our burdens and sometimes wonder if the burden Jesus talks about is really light.
Isn’t that what we all want?
Rest from life’s troubles?
But thankfully, that isn’t the end of the story.
In 2 Corinthians, Paul gives us a beautiful insight into life. A stunning perspective of the importance of remembering that this life is temporary.
Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. – 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
If you feel you can’t handle the burden of life today, reread the verse above. Keep your eyes fixed on Him, and do not lose heart.
Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33
Lisa Harris and her family have spent over ten years living as missionaries in Mozambique where she writes romantic suspense, leads a women’s group, and runs a non-profit organization that works alongside their church-planting ministry to provide for people’s physical needs. When she’s not working she loves hanging out with her family, cooking different ethnic dishes, photography, and heading into the African bush on safari.
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