Light Load

"Come to me and I will give you rest - all of you who work so hard beneath a heavy yoke. Wear my yoke - for it fits perfectly - and let me teach you; for I am gentle and humble, and you shall find rest for your souls; for I give you only light burdens." Matthew 11: 28-30 (TLB)

Waspati Ken Wardani is from Jakarta, Indonesia. His life seemed fine as he grew from a child into an adult. When he went to school to get his bachelor's degree, everything went well. Even though he wasn't the smartest in class, he finished his education. After that, he began working at a company. He has been fortunate to earn enough income to fulfill his needs.

Then one day a doctor said that he had cancer. His world turned upside down. He cried. He never expected to receive this news. Because of the cancer he now tires quickly and will have to take medicine for the rest of his life.

Every day he goes to chapel. After his diagnosis, Waspati began praying and asking, "Lord, why do I have to go through this? Can I afford it?" One day, he felt as if God were taking his hand and whispering, "Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." Waspati opened his Bible and looked for the verse. He read it over and over again until he finally felt calm. With this verse to accompany him, he slowly started to enjoy his days. He knows that God is always with him. He doesn't know how long he will live, but his burden feels light.

Prayer: O God, help us to remember that you are always present for us. Thank you for sharing our burdens so that they become light. We pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.