17-Jan-15

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.  Hebrews 11:1-3How often I find strength and rest to face another day.  The last phrase — then you won’t become weary and give up — pinned my weariness of the day onto a banner of victory.  How often I think of my Mom and my Grandmothers and gain strength from these witnesses as they cheer me on in the race God set before me.  Every moment of sleep that is snatched from me, every doubt that crosses my mind, and I gain strength from knowing Jesus.Yes, he endured the cross in an environment of hostility.  He was sinless through the temptations that came his way.  Now He reigns on high, at the right hand side of God, a place of honor.When I am most tired and weary, I remember the song —Jesus knows all about our struggles; He will guide ’til the day is done:  There’s not a Friend like the lowly Jesus: No, not one! no, not one!It is then that Matthew 11:28 refreshes me in a encouraging moment.  Phrase by phrase this invitation from Jesus soothes away my weariness because of the WHO our Jesus is.  Read these words aloud, hear them into the depths of your heart and you will know how the lines of concern smooth away from our lives.  I simply put my heart in the hands of Jesus.  His promise is to find rest — rest for my soul.  This promise is for all who follow Jesus.  Why is this promise valid and powerful?  He is humble and gentle at heart.  His yoke is easy, all He wants to do is teach us His Way.Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  Amen. Amen!