Surprised To Meet God

I like reading or hearing stories about people who are not religious—people who were not looking for a spiritual experience—but they have an encounter with God. Believe it or not, God is capable of surprising people in this way. Sometimes He shows up in our lives when we never expected such a meeting.

He is not concerned with the religious trappings many people value. He’s more concerned that we recognize Him honestly in love, humility and repentance acknowledging the truth of who He is.

It’s cool to hear of people coming to God and finding that unexpectedly, it is actually more of a relief than they realized.

“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. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

Does Jesus Offer Rest Or More Hoops To Jump Through?

Lately—when I’ve read books that have to do with Christian living—I’ve frequently had the feeling that I’m being scolded for not doing enough. I know the folks who are writing these books mean well; they are smarter than me; and the points they are making have validity. But after a while it seems to me the God who is being presented is sort of like an incredibly demanding boss who is impossible to please, however, I need to ramp up my efforts and keep trying to please Him anyhow.

(I know, some of this is probably a reaction that has a lot to do with me and my own fears, faults, inadequacies, guilt feelings and other psychological stuff.)

Maybe this is why I read a certain passage of scripture tonight and it brought great joy to my heart. I have read this passage many times before—in fact I have read it numerous times for others in an effort to bring them words of comfort and peace—but tonight was different. I seemed to be primed to take in this truth in a fresh way and delight in the God who actually offers me rest, not more hurdles to jump through.

Here is the verse, the words are spoken by Jesus:  “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. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30.

Prayer:  “Thank you, Lord. I needed to read this verse today and I am deeply grateful for the truth of what it says. Amen.”