My sister and I always won the three-legged race. Somewhere there is a picture of us ~ only two years apart though a good 10-12 inch difference in height, bound at the ankle, she on my right, arm over my shoulder, mine around her waist; far ahead of all other competitors. Jogging in lock-step, heads thrown back in sheer joy, we are exhilarated by the ease and strength that enjoining together afforded us.
While we moved in rhythm from 1-2-3 GO, others struggled.
Their steps did not coordinate; partners fell; frustrations voiced. They pulled and jerked; ties that bound dug and rubbed against flesh. It was a painful and exhausting race.
I haven’t fully understood the concept of Jesus calling me to take up His yoke. However, as I read Matthew 11:27-30 today a few words caught my attention because just last night I had said to my husband, “I even wake up exhausted.”
Labor- Heavy Laden
Then other words called to me.
ALL things have been handed over to Me
To whom the Son Chooses to Reveal Him
Come-Rest-Learn
Gentle-Lowly in Heart
Easy-Light
I see that since all things are under the authority of Christ there is no race I have to run in my own strength.
In the last eight weeks we have been touched by terror in the emergency room, cancer, 2 suicides, severe depression and attempted suicide, death, miscarriage~ each to different family, friends, and colleagues.
As I read Matthew 11, I wonder if my exhaustion is because I have chosen to partner with Fear in This Three-Legged Race. He wants to control me, impose his will upon me, consume my thoughts, feed on my own waning energy. Moving with him is heavy, exhausting work.
But this morning I heard the call from a different Partner:
“He sent from on high, He took me; He drew me out of many waters. He rescued me from my strong enemy (Fear) and from those who hated me (Consuming Thoughts), for they were too mighty for me.
They confronted me in the day of my calamity, but the LORD was my support. He brought me out into a broad place; He rescued me, because He delighted in me.” (Psalm 18:16-19)
A new, strong, victorious Race-Mate has chosen me. He is not looking to control or impose His will on me. Though He is exponentially bigger and more powerful than me, He is gentle and lowly of heart. He will teach me how to walk in step with Him. He turns the struggle of this race into joy “because He is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore, my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices… You make known to me the path of life, in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Ps 16:8-11)
Same race, but now yoked with Christ.
“For it is You who lights my lamp; the LORD my God lightens my darkness. For by You I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall. This God~ His way is perfect, the Word of the LORD proves true; He is a shield for all those who take refuge in Him” (Psalm 18:28-30)
Come to Me all 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.
Matthew 11:28-30
1-2-3 GO
Here is the picture! Thank you, Susan, for finding it!!
Coming2Him 