Celebrating Hope: Looking Back Stepping Up预览

Come as You Are

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. - Matthew 11:28

Do we need to tidy up to present ourselves to God to ask for help? No, God knows we struggle with sin, failures, messy issues, and uncertainties. No matter how hard we try on our own, we’re unable to do life absent human weaknesses. We’re made in God’s image, though we fall short of His goodness. I’m grateful God’s arms are open wide to give us rest and relief. He heals our lives with His love and forgiveness, freeing us from burdens and offering us rest. 

Jesus contrasts our efforts to carry our burdens alone with two yoked, harnessed oxen pulling heavy loads (Matthew 11). Our yokes can be anything in life: fear, uncertainty, wrongdoing--everything that draws us away from confidence in Christ. Jesus Christ invites us to give Him our yokes, in exchange for His care. 

At all times, adopting faith in God over our own weaknesses and fears is the way to live and press forward. When we surrender ourselves to God’s perfect guidance, He joins us in all our struggles and tests. God can give us the rest and beautiful clarity we’re unable to gain on our own. We can come exactly as we are, in Jesus’ name. God loves us. He will always be with believers and will strengthen, guide, and greatly support us throughout our struggles. —Alyse Johnson

What burdens do you find yourself carrying that prevent your peace? List and surrender them to Jesus.

Dear heavenly Father, Thank You for sending Your Son to save us, making Your love and comfort accessible to us exactly as we are.