Some months back, we asked you to send us your prayer requests. If you have, please be assured that we’re keeping you in prayer, and you’re on our hearts. One of our staff who read the prayer requests was moved to pen a note of encouragement.
Dear Y,
I’m so encouraged to read about your desire to be a loving husband, a good son, and a wonderful father and grandfather. As a caregiver to your wife and your mother, your prayer for wisdom to honour God in all that you do, and for every family member to accept Christ and let God rule in their lives, is truly inspiring!
You wear multiple hats—as son, husband, father, and grandfather. I can imagine how demanding each of these roles can be, and how burdened you must feel at times. If you have ever felt that you have nothing left to give others, can I share some wonderful words from Jesus with you?
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened,
and I will give you rest. —Matthew 11:28
Jesus knows well what it is to be a caregiver like you. He knew the burden of having no opportunity to rest as He busied himself caring for others (Mark 6:31–34). And so He offers you and me the utmost sympathy and gentleness as He invites us to find rest in Him.
Just as Jesus offered this rest to those who were trying to obtain salvation by obeying the many onerous rules of their day, I believe He also offers all of us this rest from the stress we face as we go about fulfilling our duties and responsibilities. At the heart of this offer is the wonderful truth that we can trust Him fully for what is most important in our lives—whether it is our salvation or our loved ones, whom we care so much for.
I want to encourage you that our gentle Saviour promises to walk with you and carry you. You do not need to toil anxiously, because you can let your burden fall on Him. Life is hectic, and we may still feel overwhelmed at times. But Jesus adds this wonderful promise to His invitation: “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).
I will be praying along with you, that God will guide you daily into a deeper appreciation of what Jesus has done and completed for you. I pray that in your labour of love to your children, grandchildren, wife, and mother, you will serve with the assurance and comfort of rest that God has given you, and with the sure hope that He will carry you through life. May you learn from Jesus daily and experience more and more of God’s gift—rest for your soul.
Yours truly,
Chia Poh Fang
