My school cross-country teacher once told me before a race, “Don’t try to be in the lead. The leaders almost always burn out too quickly.” Instead, he suggested I stay close behind the fastest runners. By letting them set the pace, I could save the mental and physical strength I’d need to finish the race well.

Leading can be tiring; following can be freeing. Knowing this helped my running, but it took me a lot longer to realise it could make a big difference to my Christian life. I often thought living for Jesus meant trying really hard. But by rushing around trying to be really ‘good’, I was missing the peace and freedom found in simply following Him (JOHN 8:32,36).

We’re not meant to direct our own lives; and Jesus didn’t come to earth to start a world-wide self-help class! Instead, He promised that we will find the rest we want by simply knowing Him for ourselves (MATT. 11:25-28).

Unlike the religious leaders’ way of following rules and knowing the Bible off by heart, Jesus taught that it’s simply through coming to Him that we can know God (V.27). Following our gentle and kind leader (V.29) gives us direction and meaning. Resting in His love, we are free.

By: Monica La Rose

To Pray About . . .

Jesus, I’m so thankful that I don’t have to be in charge of my own life. Help me find rest in You.