Thursday, June 2, 2016

NEVER EVER GIVE UP!

In Matthew 11:28-30, we read: “Come to Me, all you 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 our souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Tired. So tired she couldn’t think straight. She sat by the bed of her little girl as she had for the last three days, leaving only to get nourishment and aids for her daughter. Shades, pulled to prevent light from hurting the child’s eyes, added to the atmosphere of depression that threatened to engulf her.

She touched her daughter’s forehead. Hot to the touch, a fine red rash now covered her face and neck. The child opened her eyes.


“Mama, will you rock me and tell me a story?” The child’s hoarse whisper slashed the silence. She nodded, lifted her daughter to her lap, leaned her head against the chair back.

“Once upon a time...”

“Mama, tell me a story about Jesus.”

She nodded. “The Lord Jesus loved the little children. One day, when children were brought to the Lord Jesus to be blessed, the disciples fussed about it. The Lord Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven. And He laid His hands on them and blessed them.’ He loved them.”

“Mama? Does He love me, too?”

She cleared her throat. “Indeed He does, my darling. He loves His children.” She began to sing “Jesus Loves Me.” Before the song ended, she felt the little body relax, her breathing normal. She kissed the forehead, now cool. “Thank you, Lord Jesus.” She leaned back, closed her eyes, sighed deeply.

When I doubt His love, I choose to remember what He has done for me. I became “one of His" when I asked the Lord Jesus into my life. I tried to be good. Failed. Tried to do the right thing. Failed again. Finally I gave up, lifted my arms up to Him in surrender. Instead of condemning me, He pulled me up into His loving arms, made me one of His. He promises His yoke is easy. His burden is light.

Kingdom Thinking. He promises the same to you. He loves you with an everlasting love. He will never leave nor forsake you. Won’t you come to Him? His arms are open.