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Walking with Jesus eases the burden

Ruth Lilley explains that there is a better way to cope with life’s problems.

Last week, I had a gentle reminder that when things are difficult or a situation is tricky and it does not seem to be getting any easier, that it is not for me to demand that God takes it away. God turned my attention to the fact that, instead He does something even more loving.
 
He reminded me that Jesus is there, right beside me, and He is carrying that burden with me. So, in that moment, instead of insisting that God makes things better, all I need to do is ask to feel the presence of Jesus carrying that load with me. To ask for wisdom in how to deal with this situation in a better way.
 
“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 (NIV)
 
Sometimes, we can find ourselves in situations where we might feel that if we were no longer in that situation or experiencing the difficulty of it, life would be so much brighter. Perhaps, over the past year, we may have all felt a bit like this. However, what if the journey through this particular situation is what is best for us?
 
Knowing that Jesus is right by my side, lightening the load, makes the next step less burdensome. My first thought was that things would be so much smoother if God were to take the difficulty away. Yet if He did this, I may not grow or discover all that God has placed within me.
 
Walking through difficulties, or through this time when it is very uncertain about what is ahead, could be an opportunity to really lean in to Jesus and discover the joy in knowing that He is walking with us. It can enable us to change our perspective and see things through His eyes. There is strength in knowing that His plans are good and full of hope.
 
Walking through the tricky situation, rather than it being removed, might feel at times like I am taking one step forward and ten steps back. It might feel like those steps are very small. However, the gentle reminder I received has caused me to view the situation differently.
 
I have realised that a friendship is growing through this situation and that I am learning to see someone in the way that Jesus would see them. I am discovering that great courage can be found in pausing and remembering that I am never alone.
 
The image is by Ulrike Mai from Pixabay.com


 

ruth starkings 150CFRuth Lilley has recently returned to teaching at an infant school in Norwich. She also enjoys writing, and writes a regular blog called ‘With Every Sun Comes A New Day.’

 
 
 

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