God has put a message on my heart to help you finish out 2012 filled with hope. That message includes two words: Peace. And rest.
Peace
Peace doesn’t mean that you will not have problems. Peace means that your problems will not have you. Jesus told us, “In this world you will have tribulation.” Relationships may falter. Jobs may cease. Health may decline. The economy could continue to dip and turn. “But be of good cheer,” says Christ, “because I have overcome this world.”
Good cheer? How? Stand firmly in faith in your connection to Jesus Christ, and you will see Him usher in light where there once was darkness. Because if He has overcome your situation, friend, then YOU have overcome it as well … in Him.
Rest
Does it seem like you are working harder than ever these days yet still not finding a way to get it all done? We now have access to every possible gadget which is supposed to make our lives easier and more care-free. Yet, in spite of their promises, we often find ourselves burdened with more meetings, more deadlines, and a longer list of things to do.
Jesus tells us the secret to victory over heavy schedules – Himself. “Come to me all who are weary and heavy burdened,” He invites, “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 ….”
I sometimes wonder if Jesus would have called it an iYoke, would we all sign up to download the latest version more so than we already do? Yet it is Christ’s iYoke – downloadable through intimate abiding with Him. And by wearing Christ’s yoke in faith, you will find rest in His sufficiency to “will and to do” all of God’s good pleasure both in, and through, you.
In faith, you will discover the rest and the peace that you need to live out the remainder of 2012 in victory, and to enter 2013 with hope!
The Urban Alternative