40 Day Walk With God — April 22, 2014

Day 2–
TRANSFORMATIONAL EXCELLENCE

Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to me, all you who are struggling hard and carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Put on my yoke, and learn from me. I’m gentle and humble. And you will find rest for yourselves. My yoke is easy to bear, and my burden is light.”

God’s incredible grace is such an amazing gift that holds within it the transformational power of God’s love.

Sometimes life just gets hard! We face all kinds of challenges in life that can range from the small and annoying, to the large and overwhelming. Through whatever challenges life throws at us, though, if we listen carefully we can hear God’s words echoing through the voice of Paul that seems to say, remember, my child, that, “My grace is enough for you” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

I had recently faced some health uncertainties that precipitated weekly trips to the doctor and numerous tests. Even though it turned out to be more of a nuisance than a problem, I found that in the midst of the uncertainty, my rhythm of life was disturbed. All of the “what if” questions begin to seep into my thoughts, and I began to wonder what was really going on with my health. The journey of health uncertainties can often be very unsettling and our spiritual equilibrium can become shaken.

In the midst of my own health concerns, I was also faced with the concerns and responsibilities related to my ninety-one year-old mother who spent some time in the hospital. Those of us who are blessed with the joys and privileges of having parents, who are still with us, are also ever mindful of the challenges of advancing years for those that we love so dearly.

These types of life concerns are always deposited right on top of our already busy lives which are filled with the responsibilities of work and family. Somewhere in the midst of the challenges, though, if we listen real closely, I have found that we can hear the still, small voice of God inviting us to “Come to Me…and I will give you rest”. It is as if God is saying to us that we can entrust all of our concerns and cares to Him, because His grace is sufficient to meet all of our needs. That is the grace that transforms our lives from weary and heavy laden, to restful and filled with peace.

Prayer:
Almighty God, thank you that you meet us where we are, that you invite us to come into your embrace, and that in your arms we can find rest. In Jesus’ name. AMEN.

The Rev. Harrell Nation, Jr.
Brownsville District Superintendent, Memphis Conference