When blind, South American army ants get lost, they follow the pack. Sometimes they end up going in circles, marching to their death. Refusing to rest, they die of exhaustion.
Many blind believers, following the pack, march to their death. Refusing to rest, they, too, die of exhaustion. If you want, watch an ant death spiral captured on video.
- Are you on a march? Is it leading to life or death?
- Whose lead do you follow? Whose life do you model?
Having always valued and honored God’s Word, I was caught off guard in college when I thought I detected a lie in Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV 1983).
Come to me all 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.
Light. Easy. Don’t think so!
At that time, I did not know a single dedicated follower of Christ whose load was “light.”
I witnessed in them – passion, sacrifice and deep love, but I also saw weariness in their eyes and the marginalization of their families. Some were emotionally unhealthy or physically unfit. Others were on the fast-track to burnout. Because of these mentors, I believed “life with God” was thrilling, valuable, inspiring, but not “easy.” Not for a moment. “Hard, intense and endless” seemed a more accurate description. There were people to love, programs to run, needs to meet. Period. To rest was to slack. To disappoint. They longed to be “good and faithful (albeit exhausted) servants.” I was determined to follow suit.
It took a while, but in time I came to believe Matthew 11 was actually completely accurate and true, imagine that! But his followers were blind, living a lie. The blind lead the blind – in a death march toward exhaustion.
So our word for today, spoken with tenderness, compassion and hope.
Open your eyes.
If you’d like to remove the blinders and explore a “better way,” RHRW offers a life-changing adventure through a free “digital journey” or for purchase, The Vantage Point Study Guide. The book is great for personal use, but also works great as a small group Bible study resource. To access either of these click here.
There is no better time to start than now.
It’s never too late.
If you have children or teens, they are watching. They know if your life is one of vibrancy, passion and joy, or one marred by overload and exhaustion. More is caught, than taught. Teach them well.
Begin today.
So powerfully true! For months the Lord has been leading me back to Him. I loved Him. I loved His Word, but somewhere in the mix of life, I lost my passion. Through the conviction of the Spirit, I realized I was worrying more about serving God, the worrying about God Himself. Ouch!!! My study times and free times changed. My desire was deep companionship with my Savior. Again, the Spirit gave me a picture. I was in the desert hungry and thirsty and thoroughly lost. Yes, I felt the sun baking down on me. I felt the dryness. Even so, being lost was the worst for me. I’ve been there before. “Just start where you are and move forward” I was counseled. Okay, but I don’t know where I am. As I thought on this painful place, the Lord spoke into my spirit “I AM the Way!” Peace flooded my soul. I didn’t have to find my way out. Jesus knew where I was. He had my hand. He would provide. If the desert turns out to be a long trek or a short trek, it doesn’t matter. How can I be lost, when Jesus is the way?
Thank you, Brenda, for this devotion.
Betty – Love and prayers.
Jesus speaks life and leads the way.
We are so very, very blessed.