Day 7 - This is a blog leading up to Metro Praise's Easter Service April 24th, 2011. The purpose is to give a short Word to prepare people's hearts for the next season at Metro Praise and to help all grow closer to Jesus.
Today's Word: "Life is... Easy?"
Have you ever heard someone say after you got hurt and disappointed in life, "No one ever said life would be easy!" I am sure you have, I have said it many times myself. However, someone did say life would be "easy." Jesus said in Matthew 11:28-30, "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.”
But how can we have a restful easy life when many things in life lead to hurt, pain, and disappoint?
First, notice Jesus is not saying our lives will be easy and without pain, as a matter of fact He actually taught the exact opposite. In John 16:33 Jesus said, "In this world you will have trouble." Therefore, Jesus knew life wasn't easy and would be totally hard and filled with trouble at many different times.
Second, Jesus gives an option to all people, (1) Carry your own heavy-troubled-hurt life by yourself or (2) Come to Him and let Him carry your heavy-troubled-painful life and give you a light-easy load to carry, thus give your soul "rest."
Third, Jesus said in John 16:33, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Thus, Jesus is not promising a world without trouble, but a help in times of trouble!
Lastly, someone did say life could be "easy!" However, it has to get hard, painful, and troubled first so you will not want to carry your troubles by yourself anymore, then with faith you can come to Jesus.
Five Ways to Live the "Easy Life:"
1. Admit When You Are in Pain: Jesus told you to come and confess your need for Him, acting like you can make things better on your own never helps, but only makes things worse (Matthew 11:28).
2. Come to Jesus in Worship: Instead of complaining and trying to "find God," simply worship Him and the Bible says He will seek and find you (John 4:23)!
3. Confess the Word Over Your Life: Make faith declarations like David did in Psalm 23. Say to your soul, "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want! I will not fear!"
4. Get a Prayer Partner: Jesus said that when two or more agree on an issue it is settled in heaven, do not only rely on your prayers, gain the strength of another (Matthew 18:19)!
5. Rest Your Mind: Refuse to let your mind race at 50,000 thoughts a day with negative words and imaginations. Set your mind on things above and trust your heavenly Father (Colossians 3:2)!
Consider the words of God found in Isaiah next time you face a impossible situation,
Isaiah 40:30-31, "Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
Reading: Isaiah 40 & Matthew 11.
Metro Praise Easter Service will be April 24th at 9am & 11am at 4323 W. Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL. 60641
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