Come To Me

DEVOTIONAL

Have you ever noticed in the New Testament how often a miracle that Jesus performed, was preceded by people proactively COMING to Him?  Not only would they come to Him, but they were also vulnerable enough to share their problem or need with Him -- and not only would they share their problem or need, but they would also boldly ask Jesus to do something about it!  Can you imagine approaching the Savior of the world with such vulnerability and boldness like the people in the verses below?

Today it seems so simple to “come to Jesus” with our sins, weaknesses, and dilemmas, but in reality how often do we hide from Him or try to handle difficult situations on our own?  We may think our fears and insecurities are too small or insignificant for Jesus to care.  Maybe we think we’ve screwed up too many times and have used up all of His grace.  Whatever our reasons are for avoiding Jesus, His invitation remains the same,

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest…For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” — Matthew 11:28-30

Notice Jesus doesn’t say “Come to Me when you’ve got your act together,” or “Only come to Me with the major issues.”  He invites us to come to Him in the MIDST of our weariness and burdens, whatever they may be!  

We’re also reminded in 1 John 5:3,4 that His commandments are not “burdensome,” because as children born of God, we overcome the world by our faith!  Our faith enables us to not only come to Jesus with our needs, but to boldly ask Him to go above and beyond meeting those needs (which He LONGS to do!).  Be encouraged, friend, to accept His invitation today (and everyday!) to come to Him just as you are, boldly asking Him in faith for what you need, and then rest in His unending love!

SCRIPTURES

“A man with leprosy CAME and knelt before him (Jesus) and said, ‘Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.’” — Matthew 8:2

“…a centurion CAME to him (Jesus) asking for help. ‘Lord,’ he said, ‘my servant lies at home paralyzed, suffering terribly…just say the word, and my servant will be healed.’” — Matthew 8:5-8

“…a synagogue leader CAME and knelt before him (Jesus) and said, ‘My daughter has just died. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live.’” — Matthew 9:18

“For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” — 1 John 5:3,4

PRAYER

Father,

Today, I feel strongly to pray over our teenagers and young adults.  No weapon formed against them will prosper.  They are the head and not the tail, above and not beneath.  They are blessed and highly favored.  They have Your favor with classmates, teachers, and employers.  They are blessed in their comings and their goings!  You, Father, are a shield of favor about them.  Thank you, Father, that if they are having a challenging day, that Your favor protects them, and opens doors and opportunities for promotion, increase, and success.  The gates of hell will not prevail against Your children, teenagers, and young adults.

All glory to You, Father.  

In Jesus’ name I pray...Amen.