"Come to Me"

by Dr. Ann Pearson on March 09, 2020

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

The season of Lent provides the opportunity to be reflective as we face the many struggles and storms of life. Entering into God’s presence can be an invaluable time for self-examination of one’s expectations of oneself, others and life in general. Throughout scripture God is speaking to each of us with the assurance that He has a plan for our lives. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future," Jeremiah 29:11. This scripture employs us to trust that God wants the very best for us. We have to let go of our plans and walk into His plans. Our part is to come to Him and lay our heart’s desire at His feet. Nothing is too great or too big for God to handle.

In Romans 8:28 it says, “And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose.” In our humanness there are times we can’t make sense or understand the purpose of our circumstances and situations but we are called to believe in the good work God can do in our lives if we come to Him and ask for help.

As I reflect on the night before Jesus died, He was pleading for help as He struggled mightily in desperation in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus experienced the disciples, Peter, James and John falling asleep and not keeping watch while He was praying. Jesus said to them, “My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death; tarry here and watch.” That same night in the Garden, Jesus pleaded with His Heavenly Father. “Abba, Father all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me, nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.” Be assured Jesus knows how you feel and He is there for you.

It is comforting to know God has been with us in days past, is with us today and will be with us in all our future days as we face our challenges. We are not alone in our journey as God has promised that He will never leave you or forsake you, Hebrews 13:5.

Use this Lenten time to release and pour your heart out to God. Come to Him as you are weary and heavy laden and He will give you rest.

In Christ’s Love,

Dr. Ann Pearson
Director of Caring Ministries

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we come to you with the burdens that weigh upon our hearts and souls. We believe you are with us but we ache in the midst of the trials. Help us to bring our cares and concerns to you so we may be released from this bondage. We praise you for being with us in days past but our clarity of faith is affected by our circumstances. We pray that you will show us the Light that can cast out the darkness in our life. We love you Lord and desire your love to enfold us in your care and comfort our spirits. We ask these things in Christ’s Holy Name. Amen

Photo by Ben White on Unsplash

About the Author

Dr. Ann Pearson

Ann graduated from the University of Alabama with a B.S. in Consumer Economics and household Equipment. She has a Masters in Science in Grief Counseling and Thanatology as well as a Doctorate in Philosophy of Pastoral Counseling and Thanatology from Breyer State University.

Her early professional career was spent working with the Tennessee Valley Authority in Knoxville, helping families of low income; working for the City of Charlotte Public Works Dept. and as a preschool teacher in Knoxville, Tennessee, Mobile and Fairhope AL. Ann has lived in Fairhope since 1986 where she immediately began serving in the youth department of Fairhope UMC. She joined the staff in 1990 as Youth Director, serving twice in this position and was also the interim Director of Children and Family Ministries for two years here! Ann had dual positions here at Fairhope UMC as Youth Director and Director of Caring Ministries which led to her becoming the full time Director of Caring Ministries in 2000. Ann loves her church family and appreciates the humble opportunity to be serving in this community. Ann has 2 children: daughter, Allison (Ryan) and son, Brad (Kate) and four granddaughters between the two! You will come to know she is passionate about University of Alabama Football, Grayton Beach and taking care of the people in this community by offering love, peace and God’s grace.

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