You have this one wrong.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle 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 NIV

This an really important scripture to understand while strengthening our relationship with God. It is often misquoted or misinterpreted, so we sometimes have difficulty relating to life’s storms and why we go through them.

Knowing for part of His time here on earth, our Savior was a carpenter, the reality is He most likely was not making tables and chairs. In reality, the carpenters of Christ’s era were making yokes for oxen. The key to being successful was to design the yoke, so that it would split the burden and share the work load of two oxen.

So when you feel this burden of becoming Christlike is difficult (remember Satan’s influence), our Father says, to place this burden upon Him. He will grant you the peace and rest you require so you can continue forth. “take My yoke upon you and learn from me”. So we are commanded to take our emotions, feelings, anger, resentment of whatever issues we struggle with “to the Cross”. God is ready for you. The rest of that verse is so incredibly powerful. God (the I referred to) is gentle and humble in heart.

The last verse (30) is so important to understand; and for me, was a turning point in comprehension of what obedience looked like in contrast to the day to day worldly struggles. The original Greek word used was Chrestos. Notice the actual translation below.

Definition

1. fit, fit for use, useful
   1. virtuous, good
2. manageable
   1. mild, pleasant (as opp. to harsh, hard sharp, bitter)
   2. of things: more pleasant, of people, kind, benevolent

While most biblical translations say “easy”, God does not say easy. He says fit for use or manageable. There really is an important difference between the concepts.

God knows life on this world ruled by Satan and will be difficult at times. But when you share your burden with Him, it will be manageable and well fitted. God does not say, there is no sacrifice. But when that burden is heavy, just as when the oxen are called to move the heavy load, when we put on His yoke, the burden becomes balanced.

God knows you. Think of the feathers on the sparrow. God knows and would not ask you to do anything that you can not do through His strength. ( see 1 Cor 10:13 / Philippians 4:13)

So, when you feel the weight of being overwhelmed, stressed, or whatever lies Satan wants to use to edge out His love; recall this passage. For while any journey worth traveling is has its challenges and will take work, and you may feel pain and suffering. God has explicitly given you the direction on how to be able to stay strong and forage through.

Peace and Blessings….

In His service…. TimothyPaul

Ephesians 5:25 Ministries , Naples, FL 34101

Timothy Paul