In my college days, I boarded the Wolverine Express to take me home. I joined the crowded train with other Michigan students showing our love for all things “maize and blue.”

Sitting snuggly in my seat with my favorite trail mix, life felt easy. Eventually, I drifted from my snack and daydreamed out the window — until truth interrupted my thoughts.

It happened somewhere between the Kalamazoo and Battle Creek stations. I saw a bible verse with letters so large I had to tilt my head back to take it in.

It was painted on the side of a building, perfectly positioned for a traveler needing some encouragement.  It was perfectly positioned for me:

“Come to me, all you 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.” – Matthew 11:28‭-‬30 NIV

It felt like God slipped me a billboard-sized love note. He knew I wanted easy.

Easier exams.
Easier ways to finance my education.
Easier ways to walk with Him.

It all seemed to cost more than what I had.  I took Him up on His invitation.

Since then, His “gentle and humble heart” continues to mold mine.  It happens as I exchange my weariness and burdens for His lessons and His rest.

Yet, I still want easy.

Easier ways to resolve conflict.
Easier methods for transformation.
Easier paths to fulfilling His call.

Some days overflow with simple joys. Troubles are few.  Grace is apparent and I’m at ease.

But it’s not a matter of if life becomes tough, it’s a matter of what I’ll do when it does.

And when difficult days come and I need a hint of hope, God reminds me: Easy doesn’t live here; Jesus does.

He lives in every heart that invites Him. (See Ephesians 3:16 and 17). He knows as we live in this fallen world, we can grow weary beneath our burdens. But we can live free under His yoke.

I want to follow where He leads. My challenge, and perhaps yours too, is gleaning what I need to learn along the way. The “billboard” of His Word reminds me:

He’s already navigated the toughest terrain.

He took on humanity’s sin, endured the pain of Calvary’s cross and walked out of an empty tomb.

“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.”

Thankfully, knowing Who I’ll learn from is key.  Because the more I realize Jesus lives here — enthroned in my heart and reigning over all things — I can rest.

And as I do, He counsels me through crises, holds me when I’m hurting and guides me as I grasp the gravity of His call.

When life is tough it doesn’t make Him less triumphant, but it can make me more teachable.

I have more to learn about His gentle and humble heart. It’s rarely easy, but knowing Jesus always makes it possible. Because easy doesn’t live here; Jesus does.

Congratulations to QuaWanna! She won last week's giveaway, The Sacred Slow: A Holy Departure from Fast Faith by Alicia Britt Chole!