You may or may not have noticed that the frequency of the messages has fallen off for the past few weeks. The reason for this is that my wife and I are undergoing a change, a period of transition if you will. In fact it is a major life change taking place. No, it's nothing bad, but it is challenging for us.

You see, I have been looking for another congregation with which to work and trying to let God work in our lives in the process. The fact is that I have just accepted the position as the minister for the Church of Christ in Tehachapi, California. The transition of course is our coming move 2,600 miles across the continent to a new place, a new environment and in some ways a new culture. We have begun packing, making plans for moving and trying to find a house in the new city.

We have traveled to; preached for and met with churches in several locations in the United States in the past few months and firmly believe that God has led us to this group of Christians in a small town in a mountain valley in Southern California.

One of the elders of that church asked us, "Why would you want to come to a small town church like us, when you are qualified to minister to a larger place?"

My answer encompassed "the fit" I mentioned in the title? I use the term to describe the hard to define, yet keenly felt relationship between us and the church. For the past several months Melody and I have prayed for God to bring us to a church where we can used the talents he has given us and with which we fit well. After recently spending 6 days in Tehachapi we feel he has done just that.

My question for you is, for what do you pray? You see we haven't prayed that God would send us to a large church, a rich church, or a church with a multi-million dollar facility. We prayed that God would send us to a place that would be a good fit for us and our talents.

I know that a lot of folks pray that they can win the lottery, or find a better paying job, or perhaps have success of some kind in this world. But is that really what we should be praying for, shouldn't it be for a good fit for our life?

Do you remember the passage in Matthew where Jesus says these words: "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light." (Matthew 11:28-30, NLT)

I'm told that this is really a better translation of the verse than some. You see, Jesus was a carpenter and part of his job was to make Ox yokes. Ox yokes were custom tailored to fit each individual Ox. A good carpenter made a yoke that did not chaff on the neck of the Ox and allowed them to pull the load given to them much more easily.

I don't know about you, but that's what I'm looking for! I want what I do to be a good fit for my talents. I want to be able to labor for the Lord and not feel the work chaffing on my neck, but fitting well and giving me a sense that I am accomplishing something that will help grow the kingdom of God.

Messages from the Heart is sent several times each week written by Russ Lawson.

Books by Russ Lawson

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