The Great Invitation And God's Intervention In My Life

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. Matthew 11:28-29 (NIV)

Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly. Matt 11:28-30 MSG

This is where I was February 1987, when this scripture came to me through evening devotions on TV. At the edge of what I thought was burn out as a social worker.

It turned out that I had a manic episode signalling the beginning of a Bipolar Mood Disorder. I was wiped out. Shocked. Drained. Filled with unbelief that I could land up here. But I did. I only accepted my condition in May 2000 - thirteen years of fighting later.

The truth is I still wrestle against God's invitation to come to Him like a dependent child - a frail human being. I prolong the suffering and lose out on His offer of loving peace. Surrender is the sweetest of human experiences that takes us into the heart of God. Maybe it's time to get into the arms of Jesus and put those heavy earthy burdens down.