“No! I can do it!” That was a common phrase we heard at our house when our children were growing up. My youngest daughter was born with a strong, independent personality and a determination to figure things out on her own. There were countless times when my husband, Mike, and I would have to let her wrestle in her stubbornness before she’d ask for help. Over the years, she learned that sometimes you can’t do things on your own. I’m not picking on my daughter; she’d be the first to admit this quality trait of hers.  I love her to the moon and back and I’m so proud of the beautiful young woman she’s become in the Lord.  Honestly though, we’re all headstrong in some way. (My daugther probably got a little of her fire from me.) We often think “I’ve got this” and forget or ignore, the fact that we can’t do ANYTHING without Jesus.

My grandpa had a farm when I was growing up, which included two oxen named Bob & Duke. They were gentle giants that had some major power when it came to working. He’d put a yoke on them and together they could handle thousands of pounds of weight.  Interesting fact…One ox can pull 1,500 to 3,000 pounds but two oxen together can move up to 13,000 pounds. One by itself is fairly strong but if you have a pair, you can accomplish bigger tasks. The same is true in our lives. On our own we’re weak but with Jesus we are strong.

Too often we try to manage life on our own. At first things might seem to be going well but then little by little they start to crumble around us. Maybe that’s where you find yourself today. At no point will God ever turn you away when you call out to Him. He’s actually waiting for you right now, with His outstretched hands toward you. You were never meant to navigate life on your own. When we allow Jesus to come along side of us, He takes us by the hand and carries the load of our burdens. Matthew 11:28-30 says, “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.”

Every single person will face trials and troubles on this side of Heaven that we can’t power through on our own. The only way is Jesus. He said, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may havepeace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” John 16:33. Let go of trying to do it on your own; He is your strength!   

-April Sather, 88.3 WAFJ Morning Show