This was written last year, but I never shared it except with my husband. Reading it again, I am reminded of a faith building moment I experienced as a child. My dad was teaching me to swim, beginning by having me float in the water. The water felt too deep, and I was fearful. He told me something that I have never forgotten.
He said, "Learning to swim is like faith. You have to trust that the water will hold you up."
And he was right- it took faith that the water would do exactly what it was created to do: to hold me in a restful float. I had to trust this truth in order to experience it.
How many times the Lord has brought this to mind, and over the years built upon the words my dad spoke.
Each day is a step of faith. We find ourselves in times where it seems impossible to rest in His goodness, to truly rest knowing that He is able to do just as He has promised. He can and will hold us up over seemingly insurmountable situations, and through His grace it is possible to rest, fully confident in His faithfulness.
It is our Savior's deep desire that we come to Him, and when we do, we indeed find rest for our weary souls.
Are you weary? Come to Me, and I will
give you rest. My yoke is easy and My burden is light. This rest I
give You is perfect, but it requires faith. Faith that I will do all
I have promised; faith that I will hold you securely despite what is
going on around you. On the surface, it may seem an impossible thing
to know this rest at such a time as this, but know that this is
exactly what I am calling you to do. Without Me, it truly would be
impossible; but by faith in Me, and with My strength, you can be
still in Me even through the most turbulent times.
This rest is not the rest of
inactivity, but the stillness of your soul as you place all things in
my hands. It is this rest that allows you to proceed through each day, with its duties and trials,
fully confident that I am God. To know this so surely, that no
heartache, no strife, no loss or fear, is too much for Me to hold you
through. Remember- underneath you are My everlasting arms. I will not
fail you; I cannot fail you.
It is true that you will face times so difficult that you would not be able to withstand if it
were not for My rest, My power made perfect in weakness. Rest in Me,
by faith trusting each moment, each trial, to Me as it comes. I am
here. Peace, be still.
Bible verses:
Matthew 11:28-30(NKJV)
"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
Deuteronomy 33:27a (NKJV)
"The eternal God is your refuge, And underneath are the everlasting arms..."
Psalm 46:10 (NKJV)
"Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!"
I will be exalted in the earth!"
2 Corinthians 12:9 (NKJV)
"And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
