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In today's newsletter:

Take My Yoke . . . in the Shadow of Death

“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.” Matthew 11:29 (NIV)

Three years ago today, my family and I walked through the valley of the shadow of death; my husband, Bob, fainted and fell and sustained a traumatic brain injury. For several months we didn't know if he'd live or die, or talk or understand anything if he did survive. When these "anniversaries" roll around it is a good time to take stock of what God has brought us through, and what we've learned. I am grateful God spared Bob's life, and that he continues to heal him (and me)! 

Communication is still difficult, but he is communicating! Oftentimes it takes a lot of effort to get a simple point across. The healing process is like watching grass grow; you don’t see it happening, and then all of a sudden you realize it’s grown! I struggle to be positive, to trust God through this fiery trial, to not be discouraged or depressed, and to believe that God still loves me and hasn’t abandoned me—but it is difficult! Many times, I find myself in despair.

A while ago, as I was waking up, I found myself asking the Lord, “If your yoke is so easy and your burden is light, then why am I having such a difficult time trusting you?” Almost immediately, the reply came, 

Teach Kids to Follow Jesus

“I understand your suffering. Remember, I told you not to be surprised by the trials and sorrows of this life? Sin has left its mark on all of creation. I love you, which is why I came to earth. I understand suffering. I am acquainted with grief. The yoke I offer doesn’t take away your suffering. It does however take away an unbearable burden of winning God’s favor. I have done this for you! My yoke requires nothing of you—you do not earn your way to the Father. There is no other god, master, or teacher who offers this to you. There are no actions to perform, no prayers to repeat, no mercies to give, no good things to do, that can make the Father love you more. My yoke is easy, because I have done all these things for you! It is God’s undeserved favor that saves you; it is a gift I have given to you! I have overcome the world. Trust me just a little while longer. I promise that I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. But know this, your trials will be used for good, through them you will grow stronger in me, and be better able to help others who are also suffering.”

Prayer: “Dear God, slip Jesus’ yoke over our shoulders; lead us in the paths you have chosen for us. Help us to remember that our trials are not a measure of your love or indifference, that in fact, they are a result of a sin-broken world. Help us to keep ourselves yoked to you, and to offer your yoke of safety, security, hope, and healing to others. Amen.”

Thank you to all those in this network who have faithfully prayed for us over the last three years. Truly God's hand has sustained us through the valley of the shadow of death!

Your webservant,
Sarah Keith <><

Scripture references: 
Isaiah 53:3; Ephesians 2:8; John 16:33; John 14:3; Romans 8:28; 2 Corinthians 1:4.

Read this online at: http://www.sundayschoolnetwork.com/devo-take-my-yoke-upon-you.html

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