Wednesday, February 20, 2013

By: Gwen Hitt

Sleeping Beauties

Matthew 11:28-29 "Come to me, all of you who are tired and have heavy loads, and I will give you rest."

Of all of the photos that my daughter and her husband took of their girls at Disney World on vacation, the ones taken in the hotel room on their very last night ARE and WILL always be my very favorites. After a wonderful BUT exhausting six days, their two girls (ages 3 and 4) were worn out. Their final vacation photos captured the girls "passed out" before even being tucked into bed!

Wouldn't it be nice for our times of exhaustion to be a result of the most magical week of our lives!

Instead, many are left weary, burdened and hopeless because of life's demands and trials. Sadly, in our fast-paced world, we often face a multitude of situations every day -- some of us every hour -- that have the potential to drain our strength. However, instead of realizing that our physical bodies need rest and our spirits need refreshment, in our exhaustion, we frequently feel guilt for not being able to function like the notorious "Energizer Bunny."

The word 'rest' in today's scripture means 'tranquility in the midst of labor.' I believe that Jesus was and still is telling us that in those times when we are weary and burdened, we need to turn to Him for rejuvenation.

Now, for many of us, the thought of trying to find time for ANYTHING in an already crammed schedule can be even more overwhelming. Unfortunately, if we don't take Jesus' advice, we may very well miss out on our assignment from heaven--our very PURPOSE for being here.

God created a blueprint for our lives before we were ever born. He tells us in Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you...plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

I challenge you today to MAKE spending time with God a priority before all of life's demands. By doing so, He will gladly provide a refreshing that will enable you to face the rest of what is on your "to-do" list with a totally different perspective --a God perspective!

Dear Lord, Thank You that You wait for me with arms wide open. Please fill me with YOUR strength and "tranquility in the midst of labor" that can ONLY be found in You.

I thank You Jesus for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life. In the Name of Jesus I pray, Amen.