More From R. J.

February 26, 2023 by R. J. (Mwanza, Tanzania)

I have gone through the scripture Matthew 11:28-30 many times, but each time with a different weight on my chest. Indeed, this scripture is an invitation to a place of rest. But if I’m honest, it feels like I haven’t had rest for the past two years.

Four months before my graduation, I wrote today’s meditation. Though I worried about the future, my burdens were all about the past. But as I was about to graduate, things began to change. The plans I had after graduation were cut short, and in the midst of a confusing state I lost all the money I had. For a minute I thought it was the end of everything. Surprisingly, as I was navigating my way out of such a state, I came out with the idea to share my faith and hope with the world. And that was where the idea of having my own blog was birthed.

Yet even in doing what I love to do, my faith has been challenged so many times. I had sleepless nights, and there were days I didn’t want to get out of bed. Each day came with its own weight, and as days progressed I was overwhelmed and couldn’t stand any longer. I said to myself, “I’ll quit.” But quitting didn’t make anything easier, and in fact, I couldn’t do it. Then I decided to remind myself of who my God is. And I have done that every day since then.

Nothing has been easy, but I have learned to trust in God. I have learned to believe that indeed Christ has given me rest. So no matter what situation I go through, I put a smile on my face because I know I have overcome and I have rest.

So I would like to encourage everyone reading this blog post that we all have an assurance of rest in every situation. And yes, we can drop off the weight at Jesus’ feet. We don’t have to carry everything on our own; we have a savior, and he has invited us to rest in him.


You can visit R.J.’s blog here: www.oddsays.com.


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The Upper Room magazine's mission is to provide a practical way to listen to scripture, connect with believers around the world, and spend time with God each day.

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