Step forward

So, now what? 

We've come to the realization that we're still tethered to the dock, we've knocked on the door, the door swung open.

Now what?

"Come to me..."

-Matthew 11:28

Isn't that funny? God's words aren't what we expect them to be. He could have said "first you must do this" or "you must STOP the sin you are in the midst of before approaching me."

But he chooses not to say these things. Instead, he asks you to step forward. "Come to me..."

It takes a child-like faith to be able to drop all inhibitions, all the wisdom of man, all the weight of the world, and to cut the last strings of control you have on your life... It takes a childish person to do these things and, instead of setting to work on correcting yourself, running to God to correct your life instead.

Could it really be so simple?

"The attitude necessary for you to come to Him is one where your will has made the determination to let go of everything and deliberately commit it all to Him."

-Oswald Chambers; My Utmost For His Highest

No, it isn't easy. To force your subconscious will to give up to God is never an easy thing. Especially to someone who we can't physically see. 

But in order to get to the next cozy step in this process, it's entirely necessary.

"...and I will give you rest."

-Matthew 11:28

Does this mean he'll put you to sleep? Tuck you in and thrust a warm bottle into your mouth, rocking you to sleep? I don't think so! He's promising something else. Something called redemption.

Redemption is action. The kind of rest Jesus is talking about is the deep, spiritual kind that inspires you, sustains you, drags you from your listlessness an hopelessness and into vital activity.

Have you come across people in your life who never seem to get tired? My mom is one of these people. It's because she listens when Jesus says "come to me," and her brother and best friend gives her rest.

Yes, Jesus loves us way too much to leave us where we are.

"'But what about you?' He asked. 'Who do you say I am?'"

-Matthew 16:15 (Jesus speaking to Simon Peter)

This coming to Jesus and "resting" in His presence is just the beginning of the Lord's majestic plan for our salvation.