Sometimes we can get overwhelmed by the requirements and demands of life. Work will get busy, relationships might require more time and energy or ministry might become an added load. In these seasons, however, we can still experience rest.
Many times in my life I have found God's calling to be overwhelming. Productive, yes, but intensely hectic and heavy. The load of purpose was meant to be overwhelming, not because God wants us stressed, tired and beaten. Rather the overwhelming times in pursuing our calling come to remind us to trust in God's strength, not our own. As 2 Corinthians 12:9 reminds us, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
In the midst of the overwhelming times we are reminded not to fluster and panic but to run back to a God who carries the burden with and even for us. This causes us to react in rest and not stress. When was the last time you rested in the midst of the storm?
Remember Jesus sleeping in the boat during the storm at sea? (Mark 4:38) This is the perfect picture of resting through the turmoil of life. We are to follow the example of Christ in this aspect - finding rest even when things get rough.
How many times have we spent nights worrying through a huge project and weekends doubting whether God will come through the next week for your church or business? Too many times we set aside rest and trust, returning to God only when the storm subsides. God calls us now to rest not after the storm subsides but even in the midst of the storm.
Yes trials will always be there. Concerns will continue to arise at home, in your friendships, at work, in your neighborhood and so on. But along with ever present troubles also come an ever present God who works with and for us.
Jesus says in Matthew 11:28, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Jesus is working with us in the midst of overwhelming times. He wants to share the load and even relieve us of every load. All He calls us to do is trust in Him.
I'm not saying that we drop everything and slack off but to - with reckless trust - put everything at the foot of the cross and allow Jesus to put His hand over circumstances we cannot control as we do what we can with the circumstances we can control.
Overwhelming times will come, most especially when we are walking in the path of God's good and pleasing will. But in the midst of whatever is overwhelming us, He works with us and carries the load for us.
