21 Days of Prayer and Fasting

Day 13

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

In the times of Jesus, a rabbi would teach young disciples their theology and interpretation of Scripture.  This was called their yoke.  Some yokes were very demanding and harsh, others were not.  A disciple agreed to take on the yoke of his rabbi’s “yoke” as the first step in following them.

When Jesus speaks of His yoke, defines it as easy and the burden of following Him light.  Jesus talks about learning from Him as we take on His yoke.  Jesus also tells those who desire to follow Him that they must deny themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow Him.  How can both be true at the same time?

In this fast, I am pulled in two different directions.  The demands, distractions, and discouragement have increased greatly.  However, I am thinking clearer, finding more energy, and discovering how much the Spirit can do in a day.  Sometimes it feels like God makes the sun stand still or gives my mind a focus to accomplish a task in less time than normal.

In the midst of these elements, I am finding a peace and contentment in just being in Him.  I am learning from Him.  I am learning how much more can be done with the Spirit as opposed to my strength.  I knew that with my head, but during this fast, I am learning it through experience.  While the demands increase, so does the evidence that His yoke is not burdensome.  Because of the work of the Spirit in my life, the yoke of Jesus is light.

Prayer: Father God, I have worn myself out mentally and physically by attempting to live in my strength.  As the end not only am I exhausted, but my soul is empty and lacks life.  Your yoke teaches me to lean into you, to learn from you, and to see what the Spirit can do.  You refresh and renew my spirit and my soul when I trust in You.  Remind me of the truths I am learn under Your yoke.  Do not let me forget the peace and amazement I have experienced in Your presence.  These insights align with You Word, but they also surpass simple head knowledge.  They teach me what it means to be in You.  I take Your yoke upon me.  Do not let me forget that Your ways are higher than my ways, that You desire to transform my heart and mind to be more like You.