*This is a collaboration with Josh Carman, My West Coast brother from another mother. To check out part two, head over to his blog at joshcarman.com*
As a pastor for about a decade, one of the biggest discrepancies I encounter, quite often, is what it means to be connected with Jesus. Often times, people think that when they are on fire for Christ, their lives will look a certain way: worry-free, no anxiety, day-to-day ease. This understanding usually stems from reading Matthew 11:28-30.
In this passage, Jesus beckons individuals to come and trade burdens with him. The assumption is that, “if I give it over to Jesus, everything will be fine.” However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, this understanding can be quite detrimental to your walk with Jesus.
It is true that Jesus invites you to come and take on his burden. However, he doesn’t promise that all your physical circumstances will change. Instead, what he promises is refreshment. Refreshment, in this case, isn’t understood as a lack of problems, it’s meant to be understood as a new outlook. The individual shifts their focus from the problem at hand, to the one who is able to conquer the problem at hand.
Jesus is calling you to intertwine your life with His. Join him, and you’ll see that he is gentle, powerful, and capable. Jesus grants those who are aligned with him the capacity to see the bigger picture, full of hope, in a way that is unique to being a Jesus follower.
If you struggle with peace, and anxiety, try shifting your worry. Take a step back and ask Jesus for a fresh perspective. What you’ll encounter is a God who will walk with you in the struggle. Ask yourself, how can this issue make me more like Jesus? This is the secret to peace. Focusing your eyes on the giver of it. Instead of trying to force it, you’ll see that true freedom is found in the creator of sustenance.
Take a look at the Matthew passage again. While reading it, ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in an exercise that moves you from fear, to focus. Focus on that smiling face of Christ. Focus on the reality that He loves you. He has already conquered your situation. All you have to do is lay it before the cross, be faithful in the areas you control, and surrender the rest to Him.
About the Author:
Josh Carman is a youth pastor from Southern California. He is finishing his MA in New Testament studies from Pepperdine. He is married, expecting his first child, and loves all things sports.You can find him at joshcarman.com where he posts weekly blogs and videos as well as on instagram @joshua_carman
Finding our hope 