March 2, 2022

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take up my yoke and learn from me, because I am lowly 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

Being a pastor is hard work. This last week I have spoken at funeral services for four different people in the span of only five days. This has also been an incredibly busy time at our church. Oh, and the by the way, I’m trying to complete a doctorate degree right now too. Many times, over these last couple weeks, I’ve said to God, “This yoke doesn’t feel especially easy right now!” … but I’m sure I’m not the only Christian to feel this way.

What I often forget is that the weight is not all on my shoulders. As I preached what was the most difficult funeral message in over 20 years of ministry, my earnest prayer was that God would get me out of the way. Honestly, that should be our prayer every day. We don’t have to be the smartest, most talented, charismatic person in order for God to use us; we just have to be willing. When we live a life apart from God, everything is on our shoulders: whatever is going to come of our life is going to be because we have accomplished it and whatever doesn’t happen is because of our failure. But in Christ we can rest easy knowing that a willing heart is all that is required. We simply need a desire for God to work through us. He then takes that and does incredible, eternal things in our lives and the lives of those around us.

Lord, get me out of the way. I am an open channel for your mighty work. Let me rest today, knowing that a willing heart is all you require.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Shane Cannon