The Unforced Rhythms of Grace

"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.”  -  Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG)

Last month at Refresh, we heard Matthew 11:28-30 in the Message version and I love it. Part of me feels like I could just leave this verse here and write nothing else and it would be more than enough to fuel you for the week. Spend some time resting in this word and listening for God’s voice to speak to you; I can guarantee He’s got something in there for you! 

I read something the other day that made me laugh and also made me want to cry just a little bit. Anyone else relating to this? “I don’t know about you guys, but I’m tired of living through historically significant events.” Sometimes it’s hard to wrap my head around all that has and is going on around the world, and then, add on top of that, so many people have personal trials they are walking through. It’s just so much. Can you relate? 

Well-meaning people say, “God will never give you more than you can handle.” I’m here to tell you that’s just not true!! It’s the very nature of the Father to intentionally stretch you beyond your own capability! It’s the very nature of the Father to do the impossible in and through you. It’s the very nature of the Father to be the One to walk you through the darkness on the path you could never successfully walk on your own. It’s the very nature of the Father, to empower you beyond your own ability to figure it all out and fix it. He certainly gives you more than you can handle!

If you were able to “handle it” then would you learn to rely on your own wisdom? Would you begin to encourage yourself with your own strength? Would you stop trusting the Father? Handling everything in your own strength might get you through for a while, but it will not grow lasting fruit and will only leave you tired, worn out and burned out.

I bless you today with trusting the Father in the midst of the trials. I bless you with walking in the “unforced rhythms of grace” as you face every difficulty in your life. I bless you with an encounter with Jesus where you get away with Him and let Him teach you and give you rest. I bless you to learn to partner with Holy Spirit to live freely and lightly no matter what you’re walking through in life. May you know the heart of the Father for you today and forever.

Lisa Nelson – March, 2021