May 7, 2025

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28

My grandparents, two of the people I look up to most in my life, are both in their 90’s and their health is declining quickly. This breaks my heart on a regular basis. Someone else I love dearly also had a serious health scare this weekend, bringing me to tears several times. Now, as a pastor I deal with hurt, sickness, and death on a daily basis, so you might think I have grown accustomed to these things. However, these two events in my life have still hurt me deeply. Pastors are just as susceptible to pain as everyone else. Because of that, I have discovered there are three options if you want to be a pastor long-term: you can either grow cold to your feelings and others’, be in constant pain, or you can lean on Jesus. I choose the Jesus.

What is true for me is true for everyone. Jesus promises us in John 16:33 that we will have pain in this life. We will each go through very difficult times. You can choose to be a person who avoids feelings and grows cold to loved ones. You can also choose to walk through the trials in deep grief and even hopelessness. Or (the best option) you can lean on Jesus. It is only in him that we can truly find rest; and not just momentary, superficial rest – you can find rest for the very depth of your soul. In the most difficult times, you always have a choice. I encourage you to choose Jesus.

Loving Father, though You have displayed it fully and perfectly, we cannot comprehend the depths of Your love for us. In Jesus there is a true, perfect, everlasting peace. Help us to find it in greater and greater abundance through every trial we must walk. Give us rest for our souls.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Shane Cannon