Divine Invitation to Rest

I have been graced to be a father, an elder, a preacher, a brother, and a friend. Inside me, there exists a deep-seated instinct—a longing to step forward and bear the burdens of those teetering on the edge of despair. Yet, the essence of our calling does not rest on the shoulders of one to carry the weight alone. We are beckoned not to take on each other’s burdens to bear them alone but to share and distribute these weights amongst us while guiding each other towards a more profound truth. This truth is the understanding that our ultimate relief and solace come from entrusting our burdens to the Lord.

It’s an art, really, learning to weave through life’s complexities, discerning when to lift a brother or sister up, when to stand beside them, and when to guide their eyes upwards—towards the One who calls us to cast our burdens upon Him. It’s a delicate balance between intervention and guidance, between support and empowerment. Our aim should be to foster resilience and faith within our community, to build a collective strength rooted not in our power but in our surrender. Each of us, with our unique struggles and strengths, is a vital thread in the fabric of our community, and together, we can bear any burden.

For in this surrender, we find the essence of our faith, a cornerstone belief beautifully encapsulated in the words of Matthew 11:28, where Jesus extends an invitation of rest to the weary and burdened, promising solace to those who take His yoke upon them. It’s an invitation to a rest that the world cannot give, a peace that transcends understanding, found in the loving embrace of our Lord. This promise of solace and rest is not a mere hope, but a steadfast assurance, a beacon of light in the darkest of times.

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28, ESV)

‌‌~PW 🌮🛶