Longing For the Easy Button..

So, I was thinking this morning (a dangerous task indeed), and my thoughts were circling around a specific theme. This week seems to be one of those crazy weeks where no matter what I do, things either just don’t work out the way I was hoping or expecting them to.

For example, I had recently realized that I needed to replace our water heater since it was way past its warranty period of 7 years. I was preparing to call for service last weekend when to my surprise, the heater sprung a leak. Well, needless to say, I now had to call and have a guy come out to replace it asap so that we didn't have to go more than one day without hot water.

Later in the week, I went to a doctor’s appointment only to find out after arriving that she did not have me down for the day I had arrived, but the following day. Needless to say, it’s a bad mix to have two ADD people trying to set an appointment with each other. Lesson learned: always verbally confirm the other person understands the details by having them repeat them back to you.

I don’t know about you, but weeks like this (and trust me the two things mentioned are far from all of the challenges for me this week) leave me feeling overwhelmed, breathless, and frustrated. We may wonder at times where is God when I need him. We think: Can I just catch a break? And, at others (if you’re like me that is) you ask out loud: Can someone just hand me the easy button for once!

I get it. Trust me.

But, in thinking carefully about this from a Christian worldview is easy what we really need? Never mind our wants.

You see if we had it easy, would there be any lessons learned? If we had it simple, would we grow and find ourselves stronger?

Since we have given our lives and hearts to Christ, I don’t think that simple or easy is necessarily best for us. And, our continued growth and increased strength are certainly needed, aren't they?

How can we shine brightly for Christ and God’s kingdom if we aren't seen as over-comers by those around us? For whether we like or not, people around us are watching us to see if Christ has really made a difference in how we face life’s inevitable trials. If we were always handed an easy way out of challenges, then our impact on those who need hope would be weak.

Don’t get me wrong, I know it is sometimes very hard to lift your chin, keep moving forward, and maintain a confident hopeful smile. But, the point is, we have an endless supply of power, positivity, and an assured future through our relationship with our Savior. In our times of weakness, frustration, and maybe even despair, we must actively place our burdens on the unbending shoulders of Jesus.

Today, if you’re like me there are things on your radar for the day or this week that seem insurmountable, overwhelming, and just too hard to face. Give these challenging things up to Jesus and keep moving forward.

I promise you that if you do this, you will be stronger on the other side. I promise that if you allow Jesus to shoulder the burden with you, that you will not only survive, but you’ll be an inspiration to those around you who need just that.

When we allow God to step in, he will not leave us unchanged. He will not let us go through these things without revealing in us new strengths, unseen gifts, and a deep sense of confidence in the hope that we have in him.

So, lift your chin, dry your tears, put a smile on your face and take your eyes off the storm around you. Focus your eyes on the kind eyes and the outstretched hand of your Savior and step out of the boat.

I promise you, you won’t regret it.

Mike Meehan

Matthew 11:29, 30

“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. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”