I felt out of place.
It was my first Yoga/Barre class. I wore black leggings and a long sleeved light-weight hoodie. When I looked around the class, it was clear that I was overdressed. Way too many clothes. Too much coverup.
It also felt like it was a thousand degrees in the room.
OK, maybe that’s an exaggeration. It was more like 500 degrees. But the person next to me said the next class was hot yoga, and evidently they started cranking up the heat in anticipation. I knew it wasn’t appropriate to take all my clothes off, so I kept my clothes on even though internally my body felt like it was in a desert.
I walk a lot. That should count for something, right?
Yet I quickly discovered that there are parts of me that have remained untouched through those miles. Most of the women in the class were far younger than me. Far bendier. Much less desert-impacted with their shorts and breezy gym shirts.
Can I be honest with you? I wanted to give up. I needed water. Lots and lots of water. The fifth set of “just 8 more” felt like fire was roaring in my arms and rear end (how is that even possible to feel both at the same time?). I was also staring in a mirror, standing next to the bendiest, youngest person in the room.
But I kept on.
Because going to this class wasn’t about the woman standing next to me. It was about me. I wanted to walk a little lighter, be a little more flexible, and be a lot stronger in those areas that were starting to feel less than strong.
Venturing into a hot yoga room to move muscles that needed it — the goal was to help me walk lighter.
But let’s be real.
The most difficult part of getting “lighter” in any capacity is the first step. It feels easier just to stay where we are. Not a whole lot different than our faith. If you are carrying a spiritual burden — anger, hurt, confusion — taking that first step can feel impossible because the burden is so weighty.
Yet there’s an invitation.
Come with me, daughter.
Walk with me.
Let me walk through this hard place with you.
You hear the invitation, but you look around and it seems easier for everyone else. Or it feels impossible to move, even toward your Savior who loves you.
So, what can we do?
Take that first step. Know in advance it will be challenging. Know that you’ll be tempted to look in the mirror and see how far you have to go. It’s not about anyone else in the room. It’s not about how far you have to go. It’s not about your burden compared to the size of others.
It’s about walking lighter.
The more we walk with Jesus, saying yes to the invitation of “Come with me,” the lighter that burden becomes. It drops off bit by bit. Our spiritual muscles are challenged and strengthened. We take our eyes off of others and realize that our faith is a one-to-one relationship and we are not measured by anything but God’s love, which is immense. Our burden becomes shared, rather than managed alone.
If life is heavy for you right now, listen for that sweet, unending invitation.
Come with me, daughter.
Walk with me.
Take that first step and I’ll meet you there.
Say yes to that invitation. Move toward him. Hand him that burden carried for way too long, and celebrate, for this is where walking lighter begins.
Suzie
I don’t know if I’ll conquer yoga/barre or not, but that’s not the point. It’s showing up. Looking into that mirror and smiling at the woman looking back at me, knowing that I’ll get stronger over time.
If you are struggling today with a heavy spiritual burden, show up. That’s the first and most important step. Don’t try to fix it. Don’t look at others. Listen for that invitation and say yes.
- Just show up.
- Be honest about the weight you are carrying. Show God every part of it.
- Say yes to his invitation to walk through it with you.
- Don’t define what that should look like. Take it day by day, moment by moment. Let him lead.
Related Resource:Do you need something to deepen your daily walk with Jesus? Suzie’s new devotional, Come With Me Devotional: A Yearlong Adventure in Following Jesus will help you get started.
Thank you for sharing your insights and experiences so honestly. Your words helped me to remember Jesus IS walking with me!
Thank you for sharing this! So grateful to know He is walking with me everyday. I can’t do anything without Him and it shows when I don’t give it all to Him. Thankful for God’s grace!
Thank you for these words! Life does seem unbearably heavy right now so I needed them.
Julie, Praying HE makes your burden light as you walk with Jesus.
As I am walking into a hard day,this message helped center me on Jesus and the hope I have in Him. Thanks
Tracy, Lifting you up this morning as you face today, you are not alone, he is with you every step of the way. Rest in his peace and love.
“Just show up.” “Let him lead.” For once, I think I will do just that.
Thank you! I wan’t to walk lighter and with Jesus every day. I try to. Living with chronich illness is hard. Before I had brainsurgery for Cushings I had a lot of years of feeling like something was not right, but it was not taken seriously for over 10 years. So I felt like a hypocondriac. I’m so grateful that they finally found out what was wrong and had surgery a little over 2 years ago. I still live with chronic illness but I am still here. I still feel like walking in water when others are on the shore, but now I know why. I also try to take a walk at least once a day, but my husband cannot join me as we have a 5 year old little girl, that cannot stay home alone awake or asleep… But I listen to worship music and talk to God. I know it is good for me even when I don’t feel like it. It does light the burden. Lots of love, Sofie
Thank you. This came at a time when I really needed it.
Thank you Suzie for this beautiful invitation to take the first step. To walk with him and lighten the weight that is in my heart.
Thank you for your words today. My step feels lighter already:)
I love this devotion! I walk early every morning. Today I am going to start out knowing Jesus walks with me” . What an amazing time that will be. Thank you!
Thank you for sharing this. What you shared touched my heart that it made me sob deep down in that hard place.It is good to know Jesus loves me but it is great to feel the love he has for me.That’s beautiful. You are my blessing for today.
Thank you for the encouraging words today.
I so appreciated this! I really felt the practical steps of just show up and be honest were so helpful. I am thankful God meets me right where I am.
I so needed the reminder to be honest with God. I’m going through a frustrating time with a friend, and in reading the part about being honest with God, I was made aware that I’ve complained to others about it more than I’ve honestly prayed about it. Thank you for the reminder to bring it God instead.
Thank you for sharing this! Your timing couldn’t have been better. I needed reminding to walk with him always!
when we are in Florida for the Winter I love to walk the beach. As I walk I talk to Jesus and pour my heart out of all my cares for that day and thank him for the beauty that surrounds me. As each wave comes on shore I am always in awe of His creation. How can anyone not believe that this was all made by His hand, perfect in every way. ❤️
Thank you for your encouragement and for the reminder that God is always walking with me!
Suzie, thank you! I read both your devotion on Proverbs31 and followed it to your blog. “I want to walk a little lighter, be a little more flexible, and be a lot stronger in those areas that are starting to feel less than strong.” Love this sentence you quoted. This speaks to me, and my daily committment to work on my spiritual, mental & physial strength. To be a better version of me. “Strength” has actually become my go to word. I work on this daily. It’s a daily choice and mindset. From life experience, I realize it is truly about our walk with God and our own personal relationship with him. It’s so easy for the human mind to trick us into thinking we are the only ones dealing with something bigger than us, but we are never alone. We all have weaknesses, insecurities or strongholds, but it’s about how we choose to see them. With God, they form our “strengths.” – Ones I would never trade finding.
Thank you for your encouragement!
Thank you for the post and for the chance at the giveaway!
Thank you for sharing! What a great reminder & a blessing to know he is walking with us daily, life happens & can take our focus off of him. We just need to keep on walking & seeking him. I can’t wait to share this with my sister who is going through a difficult season too.
Just now, I made a list of all the things I’m fretting about and getting myself worked up over, the heavy things you mention. And as I read Luke 10, I rememvered only ONE THING is needed. (Mary and Martha) Reading this, I’m remembering the one thing is to answer His call, “Come with me. Walk with me. Sit with me.”
Your devotionals, blog is so encouraging. Thank you for sharing what God has placed on your heart.
I just discovered your blog this morning, after reading your devotional on Proverbs 31 women. I really enjoy your transparency and refreshing truth, I look forward to reading more,
Thank you for reminding me to share my burdens with God and that I am not alone.
I felt like I was there with you. And I understand what you mean about when you can see the stress of the day lift. My husbands a retired mental health social worker. Oh those were the days. Thank you for your generous offer. Not only your devotional but also a lovely bracelet.
Timely!
Changing my pj’s and meeting Him for a walk! Great motivational idea.
Thank you for sharing this devotion. I am a minster’s wife and I work in special education at an elementary school. I am also a mother of two preteens. Life can be a bit much. Some days I feel like too many people need my attention, and I just want to run and hide. I love the reminder to just show up and to walk with Jesus.
Just Showing Up is so important on this journey with God. I have found that usually when I show up, the rest just happens, my thoughts and worries pour out to God, and my burden feels a bit lighter. Thanks for the reminder.
January has seemed like it has been one bad luck issue after another! We have had financial concerns, health issues with us and with our dear animals, and our small business has not been as successful as normal. I have been feeling worried and stressed, and then feel like I am weak in faith, which in turn makes me feel guilty – I”m a Christian, right? I should be able to be strong and walk through life’s disappointments without giving into discouragement. I am praying for the Lord to have patience with me and to stay close to me and help me face each day with hope and a more positive outlook, instead of fear and cynicism. I want to read this devotional, because I think it will help. Thank you
M joining you in prayer today for a closer walk with Jesus and the ability to lean into Him when the temptation comes to feel discouraged. Proverbs 3:5-6 comes to my mind for you, trust him-he will lead you!
Thanks for sharing this message!
Thanks for sharing! I need the reminder to walk with Jesus and turn to him more especially right now.
Thank you for your encouraging words today. I would be grateful for the chance to win this giveaway not for myself but for my daughter. I believe that your devotional would help her in many ways. She is a college student and she is carrying so many burdens at this time. Thank you as again for your encouraging words.
Such encouraging words and very timely for my current situation. The devotional sounds perfect for what I am striving for not just today but every day. Thank you for always sharing such uplifting words.
Thank you for the smiles as you relate the yoga story and for the reminder of the opportunity we have to walk with and share with Jesus.
Thank you so much for your obedience in sharing and encouraging others. I’m so thankful I have a father who cares about every area of my life and cares to walk with me. I always cling to the verses he’ll never leave nor forsake me and his grace is sufficient. If I don’t ever feel his presence, it’s me that has walked away. Oh help us all to stay close to Jesus and bring him honor and glory!
Walking and talking with Him, so healing for body and mind.
I need to give all my worries and anxiety up. To truly take that first step of giving my burden that I have carried for so long to Jesus. Because He loves me and is sovereign ov r everything. I need to really trust Him and look forward with expectation at what He will do!
Lucy, joining you in prayer as you give your burdens to Jesus. I pray you feel his peace today despite what might be going on in your life, peace that surpasses all earthly understanding, peace that comes from knowing Jesus hears you, loves you and had a plan for your life.
Thank you for your reminder, the invitation has been extended! Help me walk with You today Lord!
Thank you so much for the encouraging message today. It really hit home as I need to relax, breathe and let my Savior take the lead and I walk with Him. What a great devotion! Thanks again!
Such a timely devotional for me today! I am so blessed but on the other hand feel so burdened and alone. I love to walk and love no for pretty weather to resume that joy. Please enter me in your giveaway as I would get much encouragement from your book.
I really needed to hear this today. I am one that tends to be anxious about situations and forgetful about where my strength lies. I also have been avoiding the gym thinking it would be too difficult and making excuses as to why I CAN’T go rather than can. Thank you for the reminders and encouragement.
Thank you
Sounds like a motivating book.
Thanks for a beautiful devotion on walking with Jesus.
❤️🙌 I’m trying. You always cut straight to my heart Suzie. Love to you. MP
Thanks, Melanie! It’s always great to see your sweet face.
Thank you so much, this was such a beautiful reminder; I begin today encouraged!!!
💚💚💚
I thank God for you and your ministry. He has gifted you with words that touch my heart, and many others. The words, ‘exchange my heaviness for healing and hope’ were written for ME. Christ’s arms are open to me, to take my burdens and give me His peace and joy. You’ve helped me remember that today, there is nothing He and I can’t carry together. Praise His Name.
Thank you for the devotion today.
Thanks for this devotion. Thanks for the reminder that it is our relationship with Jesus that helps us in dealing with our burdens. “Burdens are lifted at Calvary.
So many times I do choose to stay in the safe zone. We women get so caught up in comparing ourselves to others that we either never take that first step or we venture out but quickly feel inadequate and quit. Lord knows I need so much help in this area. I will never forget the first time I went to boot camp with a group from my job. There was a huge age range of women participating. I have never felt so out of shape and like I had no business being there. I know I have got to learn to lean on Jesus when I need encouragement instead of hanging up my hat. Thanks for the encouragement today!
You’ve also encouraged me with this post, Denise. 🙂 Thank you for the reminder that victory doesn’t come through comparison, but in loving and encouraging others and accepting the same for ourselves. xoxoxo
I so needed this today. I’m heavy with stress from my work and stress from an emergency home repair that is taking days and is literally driving me crazy. I know that Jesus is here and yet I can’t seem to accept His help to lift my burden. I feel alone most times, even though I know that I am not. I tend to shoulder my burdens and never give them up or talk about them in a way that is anything but complaining. Your devotional today helped me feel less alone in my walk today. Jesus showed up just when I needed him, (like He always does). This time through words he gave to you to share. Thank you.
Kelly, I love when He shows up right when we need Him most! And yet, the real blessing is that He was there all along. Praying you will lean on Him today and be encouraged by His strength and love for you. xoxoxo ~Rebecca
Praying for you. You have spoken words that I also feel.
Reading your devos always meet me where I am. But today’s devo has truly touched the place where I am. Just not wanting to take a step forward. So thank you for this word today. I am committed to taking the first step because Jesus is already there and ready and He will be with me every step of the way. He already has been!
Thank you for this today! Just take the first step…it’s the hardest one. So true. He is always there ready to meet us in our need.
I need to be able
To let go and let God. I love with &take care of my
Mother with Alzheimer /
Dementia, I have been here for 17 months. My husband and kids live 1/2 mile away. My two older children just lost their dad, and I lost my ex husband. I am tired, my health is suffering or else it’s just me over reacting and the stress playing havoc on my mind with panic attacks anxiety etc and my body with stomach issues throat issues bladder issues. I want to walk away. We
Are looking into 24/7
Care in the home for my
Mom so I can be at home with my family but then the guilt sets in and I feel horrible guilt for using her money and somewhat abandoning her. I’m
Spent I’m
Exhausted physically and mentally. I so need The Lord
To take over
My husband and I just walked a 10-year journey with his dad who had Alzheimers. I’m reaching with a huge hug, Liz. It can be so hard. Praying for wisdom and direction as you make these decisions.
I’m here from your P31 devotional. Thank you for this message. It’s so true and it’s where I am right now, “The most difficult part of carrying a heavy burden is the first step. It feels easier just to stay where we are.”
I truly need to develop the same kind of habit of walking as you did with your husband, but mine needs to be with Jesus- daily, properly- quality time like, instead of rushing thru. I feel like I am at a fork in terms of decision-making that will impact my future, so I definitely need to deepen my time with Jesus in order to not make any wrong decisions (or so I hope)- those that won’t be based on my flesh but hopefully led by the spirit. 🙂
Taking that first step is so hard. I feel so alone so often. Often times even in my own home. Thank you for your encouragement.
Cheering you on as you take that first step. You are not alone in this. Praying with you. Celebrating your courage!
Here for the first time because of Proverbs 31 devotional. I am struggling with knowing how to walk with Jesus through some painful past experiences that are coming up because of current circumstances. I try to be open & honest, I am trying to pray through the emotions of fear and doubt that are rising, but feel somewhat stuck on being able to share them even with God in my quiet times. Would love prayer for God to allow me to connect & express my heart to Him.
Father, I know you hear the heart of your daughter. She is brave and courageous. She is walking strong but doesn’t feel it. The fact that she gets up, reaches for you — that delights your Father’s heart. I pray that you bring peace. That you allow her to just “be” rather than strive or worry or wonder if she’s enough. Your love covers her. It directs her. It compels her to walk in your truth, even when that leads us up hard paths. You meet April there. Thank you that she visited this community today. Thank you for taking that burden from her.
April, one of my favorite verses is Matthew 6:8 – It reminds us that the Father knows what we need before we even ask. That takes the pressure off of us. We can simply sit in His presence, with no words. The focus will shift from us to Him as we trust that He knows what we need even when the words are not there.
Thank you Suzie, for encouraging us to walk light and with Jesus. You’re so right; we all have a tendency to measure our position or progress in many situations. This can rob us of the experience that growing into something brings. Today, inspired through your message so beautifully etched around God’s Word, I choose to embrace the learning curve, one breath, prayer, and step at a time.
Thanks for sharing droplets of sunshine through your gems of words, and enjoy a beautifully blessed day
Indra
Thank you Suzie for another awesome devotional!!! Love this!!! I’m going to use the portion “Walk with me, Jesus…..” Love those words. Thank you and P31 for all you do four your OBSers and devotional readers. I always received a blessing. Would love to win:)
Thank you Suzie for your devotional today! I really needed it! I play the comparison game too often and it keeps me defeated. I love the idea of God always walking with me and there for me at all times. I really needed that encouragement today!!
We have recently started our evening walks again, and yes aside from the physical benefit, the “walking with me” truly relaxes the mind and spirit. I didnt realize that My husband also releases the stresses of the day. Thanks for your devotionals and insights.
Such an encourgemnet to read……to just show up…..to just take that first step……I am working on regaining my overall physical health as it just felt like I lost it the last few years. Sometimes it feels like a huge challenge, but just as you wrote…..I just keep showing up, keep being faithful…….Just as I do in my devotions everyday. Just show up…..just make time for Jesus…….and He will be there waiting for me as He walks with me thru each day.
“Just show up…just make time for Jesus.” Amen, Lucy. Jesus is always there.
I am just beginning (again) to walk daily, and a already feeling the benefits, although getting up earlier can be quite challenging! Your post is very encouraging and I would love to read and learn from Come With Me !
In God’s perfect timing!! He knows my struggle with my identity right now and I feel He lead me here today! Leaving a career in Special Education with medical issues, applying for disability after major back surgery, I struggle to feel useful to God. I need to do something besides my housework and errands….I don’t even feel like doing those lately…I am giving up and just doing what I have to. This encouraged me to take a step to start a dream project of making bags to sell with a friend next summer and maybe some other projects…I have meet Him there. Please pray for me to find the strength to get up from my chair and lift my foot up to take that step…I’m weak so I know He’s helping me move right now!
Thank you for bring His messenger Susie.
Jesus, I pray for Tammy as she says yes to you and takes the first step towards your calling. I pray for boldness, energy, and encouragement to seep into my sister, Tammy. I lift Tammy and her heart’s desires into your loving hands. Amen
Thank you, Suzie. This really touched my heart. I’ve been desiring to walk more and more with Jesus. I hear him say “Come with Me”. I just need to obey with the ‘simple’ matter of setting aside time and space. I ask for prayers that I will simply obey and then enjoy the walk with my Savior. Thank you for writing – the sense of feeling, wisdom, and maturity I get from it are so helpful and touch my heart. Bless you and yours.
I also experienced a deep disappointment yesterday and have been trying to lean on my Father and Jesus and Holy Spirit to handle it. Your P31 devotional and writing has helped me greatly.
Thank you for your insights and your gift of conveying them to your readers. I love the personal references and how they encourage me to cherish my memories more.
I am very thankful for your message today, for it was so encouraging. I needed to hear the reinforcement that I need to continue to trust God and take that first step. I need to hold his hand and let him walk with me, everyday. There are days I don’t do this. On the days that I do walk with Jesus, my world changes. I can see it; I can feel it. I would love to win a copy of your devotional. I read my devotionals every morning on my swing with coffee. I am looking forward to spending more time with Jesus, and building a stronger relationship with Him and with God. Again, thank you for sharing this devotion/message.
We are still waiting on God for many serious breakthroughs also still going through very much stress from hurricane Irma life sure has been heavy please help us out God we could really use this thanks for the awesome chance
Father, I lift my sister, Joanna, into your hands of love and care. Please comfort her heart in the wait for the what is to come next. Remind her you understand her heaviness…she is never alone.
This was the perfect message this morning as I opened my Proverbs 31 email! When life’s burdens seem heavy.., Walk with Jesus. When trials come … Walk with Jesus. When heartache and sadness surround me … Walk with Jesus. Thank you for inspiring me and others to nurture that relationship with our Lord!
Thank you Suzie for these devotionals. Both here and at Proverbs 31 my heart was soothed.
What a perfect “knock on the head” that I desperately needed! I always feel that Jesus is riding in the passenger seat of the car as I drive, but I needed this to tell me he is always walking right next to me as well! I am going to read this again and again, and will pray that my beloved hubby will also understand that he can give his anxiety to Jesus and let Him carry it. Thank you so much for sharing your heart and therefore helping ours! God bless you!
I am thinking of making some changes in my life and have family and friends giving conflicting advice….thank you for the reminder that I need to talk it over with the Lord and trust his leading.
Thank you so much for your timely message! I, too, value the walks that I take with my husband. For some reason, walking allows the words to flow that oftentimes otherwise wouldn’t. In the same way, I need to remember that the more that I “walk” with Jesus, the deeper our relationship will be.
Thanks for this. I feel emotionally and physically drained today and needed the reminder to give it over to Jesus.
This post made me want to start walking again! What an incredible thought that the Lord Himself would join me in that exercise and gently smooth out all that is burdening me…..
Thank you for reminding me that, despite some steps backwards, I am moving ahead in my walk with Jesus. The burden isn’t gone, it may never be, but I have to admit, it is lighter.
It’s been a rough year. Thanks for the reminder to give Jesus my burdens. Sometimes it’s easy to get so weighed down by the struggle and forget we don’t have to carry it alone.
I lost my brother unexpectedly at the beginning of this month. So the encouragement to just show up to meet with God and be honest about my feelings is a comfort for me. I need to remember I don’t have to clean myself up before seeking God, he already loves just as I am. I really appreciate your encouraging words!
Thank you for this devotion and encouragement with practical advice on getting back on track in my relationship with Jesus.
Thank you. I def needed this devo today!
Thank you for your devotional I have MS & it has been a huge struggle for me & my family this past year losing my job being unable to work & still waiting for my disability to be approved in spite of 3 denials we lost everything even becoming homeless. This devotional resonated with me because it is very hard to walk physically but not just that to keep my faith & keep showing up thank you for the reminder that christ is there & he wants to walk with me.
Praying for your, Kristin. Praying for God to wrap His arms of healing and comfort during this season you are facing. God is beside you and will walk with you. I pray that you will get the answers you are seeking.
Prayers and compassion to you Debbie. My dad has MS – no easy challenge. May the Lord bring comfort, strength and joy to you and your family. Love across the waters to you.
Feeling so heavy for so long. I try to walk with Jesus and give him my burdens, but it’s so hard to feel his presence.
I needed this reminder to walk with Him. I am trying to carry it all myself and can’t.
Thank you for this gentle reminder, one step at a time, one day at a time!
I really needed this reminder today. I am sending this to my daughters as well to encourage them. Thank you!
I too often forget “to start at the beginning”. I always look at the whole of something and feel like it’s too hard, too complicated, or any Number of negative excuses that immediately run through my mind. Thank you for reminding me that all I have to do is take the first step each day.
I am so glad I read my email today. I needed the devotion that was there about walking with Jesus. This week has been kinda hard for me and I needed (although I already knew) reminded that He is always there.
love this so much
Thankful for your Blog. I am so Blessed by it. Praise God! ❤️
I had a terrible 2017. Living through two hurricanes that hit close, one –Hurricane María– destroyed my home island of Puerto Rico leaving me without news from my loved ones for days, and a 160º turn to my life. I am blessed to have family and friends who carried me and continue to support me during all this ordeal and the aftermath that seems endless, but I have been feeling a deep sadness and anxiety. Peace is missing. After reading this I realized that all this burden is too heavy for me, even with others’ help. I need Jesus, and I, I, I, I… it’s just not within my power. Meeting Jesus every day, leaving the heaviness to Him it’s what I was missing. I don’t feel like it, but it’s exactly what needs to be done. I thank my dear friend and sister in the Lord, Astrid, for sharing this devotional with me. It’s the way Jesus talks to us a lot of times. Thanks! I pray that all of us find the strength to meet Him so we can walk a little lighter.
Beautiful needed that message today!
Beautiful needed that message today!
That’s so hard, Tanya. I’m so sorry. Reaching with a huge hug.
Father, wrap around Tanya today. Fill her with peace, over and over again. May she experience this peace in her thoughts and her sleep, and in her waking hours. In Jesus’ name.
Thank you for sharing this. God bless.
I feel like I’m there, too. Yoga has become a way for me to just center and let my physical insecurities go, but I need to apply the same principle to my walk with God. With Him, I can let go any emotional or even spiritual insecurities. Thanks for this lovely reminder, through your blog post and your devotional, that Jesus is willing to walk with us in this life.
Needed this today! Thanks!
Thanks for the reminder, Susie. I’m so thankful God invites us to cast our burdens on him. I remember the first time I realized I could pray to God to lift the heavy burden off my shoulders, he heard and immediately felt his peace comfort me. We serve a God of compassion and love!
Thank you for the reminder to hand our burdens to the Lord. He already knows what we are holding on to and wants us to loosen our grip and release them to Him.
That last part made me cry. I get so focused on how much easier it seems for everyone else and get jealous that they don’t seem to have this big burden and struggle I have, but what do I really know? It’s not like I share my personal struggles with everyone around me. I probably make my changes look effortless too. I can’t comprehend what they might be going through or have gone through. And it’s much more important to focus on the one who can lift my burden. “And he walks with me and he takes with me, and he tells me I am his own…”(in the garden, an old hymn)
We have three girls, one biological and two adopted from Ethiopia. It has been a hard journey and it has pushed my faith to the brink. I do wish to continue walking the path I walk. But I would love to walk a little lighter. I would love to get my hands on your devotional and be able to walk closer and lighter with my Savior who I know has a beautiful plan in the hardship.
So beautiful Suzie. I too can feel weights of worry, stress, whatever, fall away as I walk.
What a gift you give us with the encouragement to step out. And step into the presence of our mighty Jesus as He invites us to come with Him. Hugs. Susan
Thank you so much for this reminder. Your message couldn’t have come at a more perfect time.
Thank you Susie, as always your words are encouraging and oh so timely. Thank you for your faithfulness to serve the Lord who provides all we need.
I was really encouraged by your devotional this morning. Especially the part that said “Don’t define what that should look like. Take it day by day, moment by moment. Let him lead.” I try to figure it out in my mind, especially at night when the enemy wakes me up and robs me of my rest. I know God will come through in His perfect time. He’s done it so many times before!! He is SO faithful! You reminded me today to “Let God Lead!” I will appreciate your prayers for our family! God bless you as you minister to us in His precious Name!
I also loved the reminder to let God lead! He is the Perfect One for that job—and my part is to follow!
Wow.. Thank you for this, God sure knew I needed to get your Email this morning.. Many prayers to all who are going through a storm right now. Remember to try not to fight it alone. God is right beside us every day. This is such a hard task for me to let him guide me, not me guide me.. Sending lots of prayers for everyone. Be Blessed!!!
Oh my friend Suzie….you just seem to get the struggles. Your writings encourage & inspire me. Thank you. (Strong work with the yoga/barre)
Thank you. Suzie! Needed this reminder this morning. Be strong and courageous is my theme for the year!
Blessings ❤️
I enjoy your posts very much. Thank you for the words.
I needed that today, thank you.
Such a wonderful reminder of how simply showing up and taking the next step with God will give us the strength to show up the next day and continue taking the next step. Thanks Suzie!
Your words and work comes with the Holy Spirit. Thank you for listening to the call.
Twenty-eight years ago, I suffered an a spiritual attack that impacted me to the point of a stay in a mental hospital n suicide watch and psychotropic meds—to be safe from myself! For almost half my life I have been working back from the trauma I experienced, trying to believe God has purpose for me! Just last night I fell asleep again, sobbing incredibly because of the pain in my soul that still needs to be healed! Jesus has used your blog, devotionala and your books to speak His love and peace to my heart! Thank you again for letting Jesus use you to draw my closer to Him today!
Joyce, I know what it is to have a chapter of your life that isn’t what you want it to be, but this is the miracle that God can and will do. He redeems it. It becomes one chapter, rather than the story of your life. In the past 28 years, you have survived. You have been brave. You get up each day. You reach for God. That’s faith, my friend! That’s strength. Those are new chapters that have been written and more are to come.
Lord, thank you that you are a Healer. Heal this pain as you shift Joyce’s identify from one event to the strong, courageous woman she has been every day since. Not perfect. Not without struggle. Yet incredibly loved. As she has reached for you, that brings you joy for, while she may see a weakness, you see her reaching as a sign of faith and love and strength. We celebrate that, Lord. You celebrate her. As Joyce walks with you, her burden becomes lighter as that one chapter takes its rightful place in her identity, her heart, and her thoughts. One day you’ll use that chapter as Joyce sits next to a woman who is struggling, and she tells that woman of your incredible healing power, love, and faithfulness. Amen and amen!
I say “Yes” to your imvitation, Lord, to walk with You and trust you with my burdens.
Thank you, Suzie, for letting me and others know that we are not alone in our struggles. It is so easy to feel isolated and alone when we are struggling. Thank you for the reminder to let go, and let God . . .
The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. Psalm 18:2 NLT
These are difficult words for me to write. I long to draw closer to Jesus but I feel separated from him. Please pray fro me.
Ellen, I am praying for you. I have felt that longing too. Can you spend 5-10 minutes a day with a devotional like Come With Me? and then just think about it for a few minutes and silently allow yourself to feel His presence. He is right there.
They are brave words, Ellen. So brave. Lord, I pray for Ellen. She is courageous for sharing her feelings. Today we meet those feelings with truth. You are near. You hear her. You haven’t abandoned or forsaken her. Your plan for her is intact. In this wilderness or desert time, the enemy lies and accuses, but your truth meets those lies and casts them down.
Ellen, this is a blog post I wrote called Truth versus a lie. It is a list of scriptures that refute those lies that try to hold us back. I pray it is a blessing to you. https://tsuzanneeller.com/2017/05/22/no-more-lies/
I’m praying with and for you right now, asking the God who loves you so much to saturate you with His presence, and for all the clutter to clear as you hear those sweet whispered words that you are loved and seen. Thank you so much for coming to this blog today. I’m so thankful. I hope you come back.
Suzie,
I am loving your Come with Me books! I am enjoying the Kindle version of the prayers as well. They are helping me to walk a little lighter every day. With each step I take I feel closer to my Heavenly Father. You’re right! All I had to do was begin. I’m so glad I did. Thank you, sweet friend, for the the love you give to your sisters in Christ. I pray today that you’ll be blessed with laughter, joy, peace and a warm hug along the way. 🙂 Love, Renee
Thank you, Renee. You just encouraged me like crazy. I’m grateful for you.
“Walk” is my word of the week. It is appearing everywhere.
What a beautiful post! I’m trying to say yes everyday to Jesus, to really listen to His voice in my life.
Thank you for the message. The only explanation for receiving this message today is the Holy Spirit. He knows my heart and sent me this message today. I am listening
I’ve been resisting God’s prompting the last couple weeks to fast from TV and books. I use them as my way of winding down from the business of the day and to just mentally veg from life for a bit. Recently, I’ve felt called give them up because my intimacy with God has been lacking. After a confrontation from a friend this week I decided that I needed to respond to His calling me and surrender what I want so that he can start telling/showing me what He wants. I shouldn’t be surprised but always am when He confirms what He’s been speaking. Since I said yes to Him, I can’t count the number of confirmations He’s sent, including this blog post today and the Prov 31 Devo yesterday! God is good!
Oh Becca, I think many of us hear that call. Thank you for sharing this.
Thank you for this devotional. It was such a blessing. I especially liked: “If you are struggling today with a heavy spiritual burden, show up. That’s the first and most important step. Don’t try to fix it. Don’t look at others. Listen for that invitation and say yes.” Definitely need to remember this.
Thank you for these words of encouragement.
Thank you for sharing your struggles. This devotional fits right into the messy place I am right now and have been for years. I need to turn to God and keep moving forward a little stronger each day. I am sharing this with some of my friends who need to hear this gentle message too!!
Funny, I’d never heard of DaySpring before, and then my BFF sent me the most beautiful Christmas gift, a 3 pillar candle holder set depicting Nativity scenes. It was from DaySpring. And then here you mention it being one of your favorite places to shop!
A saying that always helps me with my burdens is something our pastor said a few years ago “You can’t know true happiness until it comes from that which can’t be taken away from you.” It has helped me tremendously to focus on what is really important.
Thank you for this reminder!
Thank you Suzie. This was exactly what was needed in my life right now. I have veen having a hard time taking that first step in a lot of areas of my life. I feel stuck. Just knowing God is calling me and willing to take those steps with me is a blessing and encouragement. I need to remind myself of this every day but especially the hard days.
Your words ALWAYS speak to my heart! Thanks for the reminder to give Him my heavy heart!
Thank you for your good words today. I am gaining in my lighter walk, by not judging myself against others. God Bless!
Thank you for this beautiful reminder to “just show up.” That is half the battle for me. Once I am in the Lord’s presence He walks with me and shows me His ways.
It’s our most important step. <3 I’m cheering you on!
What a great reminder! I need to be reminded, daily, to let Jesus lead me even in the seemingly mundane things of life. Toward the end of last year I purchased Come With Me for a friend… need to have one of my own. God bless you in your work for Him. Hugs!
Thank you, Suzanne! I look forward to purchasing your devotional for myself and a few friends. The samples are so encouraging!
I am currently facilitating a book in which you wrote the foreword…those heartfelt words had in lingering and crying and wanting more of Jesus.
Thank you for you heart for Him♥️
I love your book come with me thank you Suzie I am planning to buy one for my daughter.
Thank you, Ruth. <3
thanks so much for this…i am walking through a challenging season of change and transition. it’s a good reminder that the Lord is the one who should lead, not me.
It can be hard to help someone deal with that load, or to let someone help. I still haven’t figured out how to help my husband. There are days I can tell he has a burden but he always says nothing is wrong. Guess we’ll work on that.
Come with me, daughter.
Walk with me.
Let me walk through this hard place with you.
2017 was a doozy for my family and I and 2018 seems to be a bit of the same. I’m incredibly thankful for a faithful God to walk this season (and every season) with. He isn’t cold and un-empathetic, but warm, inviting, and brimming with Grace. Thank you for your words Suzie.
I really needed this word today! Thank you and many blessings!!
Suzanne, I’m so grateful to you for sharing your struggles with us, & how to face them head on with God by our side.
My struggle, for the last few years, has been the difficulty of living patiently with my husband, who has a serious case of dementia. Every day, he is a little bit worse. I’m not sure how long I will be able to live with & “patiently” support him with his difficulties. The “patiently” part is the biggest struggle. With God’s help & strength, I will set out to be kinder & more loving.
Thank you for sharing. I’m enjoying reading Come With Me as part of my morning time with Jesus!! Thanks for writing it.
Just show up, take that first step! I love it!! 1-2-3-GO!!!
Thank you so much for writing this devotional. I found the samples so encouraging❤️ And Iam always looking for a devotional to read.
I can’t tell you how much this meant to me today. It is exactly what I needed with what I’m facing in my home. It speaks volumes to me. Thank you for allowing God to use you to speak to others.
Thanks for giving us a chance to win and thank you for the sample devotional.
Dear Suzie, I stumbled across your blog today through ‘junk mail’ Ha, can you believe that ? Your words are just what I needed to hear this morning and in no way ‘junk’. The last two years have been the hardest of my life so far ( I’m 50). In Feb 2016 my husband of 13 years threatened to commit suicide in front of myself and our two young boys ( aged 15 and 12). I got the three of us out safely before the SWAT team came to take him away. In March 2016, my 15 yr old was so distraught at what he’d seen that night, he attempted suicide ( unsuccessfully). He was an inpatient at a local adolescent psychiatric hospital for 6 weeks. While he was in hospital, my father in England called to tell me the terrible news that he had been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. He told me they had taken a biopsy and we would know more in 2 weeks time. Three days later my brother-in-law called ( my whole family are in England), saying my Dad’s Doctor had said if anyone needed to fly in, they should do it now. I flew overnight, got to the hospital and was with him for the last six hours of his life. He could not see, or talk at this point, but he could hear so I just talked to him about how much I loved him and thanked him for always being there for me. I came back to the US to the messy divorce I had been going through since I filed in Feb 2016. My (now ex) husband continued mercilessly to break me physically, emotionally and financially. On Dec 28th 2016, my boys were staying at their father’s house. I got a panicked call from my (now) 12 year old son saying his brother was unconscious and ‘Dad couldn’t wake him up’. By the time I got to the house, the stairs to my son’s bedroom were lined with police officers. I screamed ‘what’s going on ???’. One of the officers looked down at me and said ‘he’s dead’ – just like that. I went to where my youngest son was shaking in the living room. He said ‘Mom, Mom, Jxxx’s going to be all right isn’t he ? He’s not going to die or anything?’ It was probably the hardest news I’ve ever had to give in my life.
Suzie, I apologize, that all just spilled out. The bottom line is my faith is the only reason I’m still standing right now but I’m hitting problems. I am still consumed with grief and have prayed for God to carry myself and my remaining son since that night. A few weeks ago I started praying for direction as I was spinning all over the place. Every morning I would pray and ask for one word from God. That time I heard ‘Direction’ and I started to try moving forward. It worked, for a while. Then I dropped back, disheartened as I couldn’t see any sign of doors opening or closing. This morning I prayed then listened. The word I heard was ‘Focus’. Then I found your blog. I realize that God should be my focus. Not my grief, divorce or finances. Just Him. I get side tracked all the time. So thank you for writing this article and I thank God for leading me to it. I’m going to buy your book and use it to keep me encouraged. Thank you so much xx
May God bless you and send you comfort. You are in my prayers.
Dear Kerrie, I haven’t got much words but I am sending a whole lot of love and compassion to you and your son. You are a living testimony of strength that comes through God alone. May He continue to cover and shower you with His perfect love. Prayers in faith.
Kerri, Thank you for sharing. God has given you direction and focus and he has carried you and your son. Your grief is real, your pain is real, Prayers for you
Thanks for this message and the offer. Really needed it today!
God bless!
Thank you for all of your help with this Journey called Life. God Bless You!
Thank you, Suzie. Your message hits home for me, as I often feel like I need to “fix myself” before I try to reconnect with the Lord in the way I used to feel connected. This is a great reminder of His power to heal me and to guide me through rebuilding. There is truly no need for me to carry my burdens alone.
May God bless you for sharing these words of wisdom. I will take a look at “Walk With Me” as a guide to getting back on track.
Take care.
I love this encouragement! Just showing up and being honest when facing a different situation is all that matters. The Lord takes over from there. ♥️
I loved this message and really needed to hear it. It’s so easy to run away from Jesus when instead we need to run to Jesus. Thanks for your insights Susie.
Thank you for the message. I struggle with fibromyalgia and your message helped me.i know God is walking with me but sometimes I’m scared or worry he has forgotten me. I would love to win your book to help me in my walk. Thank you
Thanks for the reminder to stop the comparisons. Oh how I need to walk closer to Jesus and leave my burdens with him.
Thank you for your wonderful reminder that even when things are hardest we are never alone, He is always right there with us.
Thank you for the reminder that I am never alone. God walks right beside me.
I love the message to show god everything! Thanks Suzie!
When things have become especially confusing in my career, it’s a good reminder to hear again of God’s overwhelming love for us. God is good, and yes, we only need to come to Him each day—to walk our struggles knowing Jesus is beside us and endured so much more, all for our redemption. I’d like the book to get m through a time where I am seeking His call upon my career as a single breadwinner.
Something we all need to be encouraged to do….just show up.
Thank you for your encouragement. Knowing I’m not the only one that struggles makes me feel better. God bless.
I’ve slept longer in the mornings because I’ve been so tired from all the responsibilities of work and raising a family, that my devotional time has eroded. I’m grateful for the encouragement.
I am going through a very sad season. My daughter who is bipolar seems to be psychotic/delusional at the moment. She hates me right now. We have always been very close. Sadly, I do not know why she hates me at the momen. She lives with me as well as her 3 year old son who seems to be afraid of her at present.
Please pray for wisdom to kick her out or not.
I just wanted to say you are an encouragement! I hate exercising and this devotional talked to me on several levels today. Get up, show up in your own life! Give the devotional to another person. I will continue to read your emails. God bless you!
What a good reminder, thank you! I currently am 16 weeks pregnant and wanted to be so much active then I have been this pregnancy. When you feel like crap ALL the time, it’s so hard to be motivated! But I’ve been trying to make positive strides in the right direction this week in getting us (my toddler and I) outdoors and getting some kind of walk in almost daily. Sometimes it’s baby steps!
Gosh, you really hit on the very things I do, trying to fix it myself, looking st others and then just wanting to withdraw. It seems the easiest thing to do is withdraw but nothing changes then. Thanks for your words of encouragement. Today I’m going to look to my friend Jesus and walk and talk with Him!
I can really relate to this devorion at this time in my life. I recently joined a gym and am still trying to learn how to use all of the equipment and the proper techniques. I too went the first time with black leggings and a hot long sleeve shirt while everyone else was wearing tank tops or sports bras. I have been struggling with feeling out of place, but this devotion provided me with words of encouragement to do it for myself and not worry what others think or if they’re judging me. I also have been struggling with being too tired to do my quiet time on some days. I am a single mother, work full time, and also going back to school, so I do feel weighed down often. I think the Come With Me devotional will help strengthen my relationship with Christ. I want to grow to become stronger spiritually, mentally, and physically. Thank you for sharing.
We are in a time of HUGE transition this year. HUGE. As in Hubby retiring from the military (29 years) and figuring out what’s next, youngest graduating from High School and figuring out what’s next, end of homeschooling for me after 21 years, what do I do now?, other kiddos issues, finances, hormones, aging parents, feeling guilty at times for not wanting to move “home” (home is wherever God puts us not one certain place), all at the same time, huge! In the middle of that my “one word” for the year is “expect” … um Ok God ????
Thanks as always for your wisdom, humor, and encouragement. (And the chance to win! 😉 ).
I have felt so worn out, used up, old. My ex husband is marrying a younger woman, he has abandoned myself and 3 daughters,. He has not seen them for 7 years. They are working through year after year of abuse. He gets a happily ever after, and we get PTSD, major depression, anxiety and panic attacks. I feel so tired and hopeless.
I have heard spiritual growth and physical strength compared before, but never in a way that made so much sense. Maybe because it is the New year and we are all so focused on “getting fit” but this made a lot of sense to me today – Each day we have to show up and move ahead of where we were yesterday – our only comparison is ourselves.
This last year was my hardest by far, but the journey with Jesus healing and helping me has been worth it. This year is my year to continue with this path I’m on and build my relationship with God and find a peac for myself!
Praying healing for those who need it in the comments and encouraging you to remember it’s all about Him, no matter how hard it appears to be.
Thank you for this. My biggest burden is for my prodigal child. I really liked the part of just show up, don’t try to fix it. I will definitely get this book.
Thank you for your words of encouragement. Too much to explain regarding where I am right now, but I feel scared to move because it’s all been so hard, so much lost. It’s a new beginning, but standing here what is the first step? I don’t even know. I so enjoy your devotionals, your insight and sharing how His word speaks to you. God Bless you ~
Kate, you are the winner of the Dayspring bracelet. Someone will be in contact with you soon to get your email address. Blessings!
To answer your question, surrender is the first step. Believing that God knows what is ahead. Believing that He cares. Surrendering to the fact that it might not look like you think it will, but trusting God in ever part of it. I’ve been there, Kate. I totally get it. I’m cheering you on. Lord, wrap around Kate today. Thank you for her courage. Thank you for your Holy Spirit who will lead her. Amen.
Congratulations, Kate… may God bless you at this time and throughout every step of your journey.
Thank you! Thank you! I really needed that reminder today. I came home from church and was immediately met with snarkiness from my spouse. It’s a heavy burden sometimes and I know I need, I have to, leave that burden with Jesus! ❤
The only constant I’ve always been able to hold onto is the continuing love and presence of my Lord and my Father. Jesus and God have been there for me through some very dark days, sometimes they were the only ones I knew were there. I’m not perfect, nor will I ever be, but I know that I am never alone. If only I could just “let go and let God” then I’d be able to walk lighter. Blessings to you all!!
Just read this. So encouraged to just show up!
I really needed today’s devotional. I have been walking alone without EEALLY walking with Jesus for months now. I have fibromyalgia. I live almost 200 miles from my parents who are in their 80’s and have a lot of health issues. My husband love me to death and really suffers when I spend more than a week helping my parents. All of this has really made my physical pain worse. But today I just realized my spirit is suffering also. I really need to walk closer to Christ.
I’m constantly striving towards this. Trying to keep my focus off myself & onto my Lord !
Thank you for this encouragement. I’m actually struggling with stress and anger. I need to let God fight my battles and rest.
I so needed this today! Thank you and God Bless You!
I really desire to walk closer with my Jesus. This sounds like a great tool to do just that!
This is speaking to me.. Just Show Up its something i need to do!! I need to walk with the Lord knowing he meets me . I’d love to win this amazing giveaway thank you for this chance !!
I love you Blog. Very encouraging. <3
Suzie,
Thank you for this encouraging reminder to share our burdens with the Lord. I have been confronted with the need to persevere in the intense season of transition in which I find myself. One of the things I do when I realize I’m trying to deal with a burden on my own, is sing “He’s a good, good Father.” The reminder of His great love quiets and refocuses my soul. ♥
Thank you for sharing these words of hope and encouragement!
Thanks! Great points!