By Mikel Hawks, FCA Pacific Northwest Creative Director
As a follower of Jesus for nearly 10 years, I still struggle with trying to prove myself to Him. You’d think that after a decade, I’d have mastered following Jesus. But I’m here to encourage you — whether you’ve known Him for one day or 30 years, you’re not alone in the struggle to feel worthy.
So, why do we struggle with this? Personally, as an athlete in a family where wins were celebrated, I longed for the “well done” from my parents, peers and coaches. Many of us — coaches and athletes alike — are familiar with a performance-based approach to life. It’s all we’ve known.
This mindset starts to seep into other areas of our lives. When we face struggles or problems, we try to work harder to fix them. Even as an adult, not much has changed. The world tells us to hurry, strive and push harder. Our culture constantly plays the same tune on repeat: “Do more. Do better. Do it faster.” It’s exhausting.
I often let this mentality bleed into my walk with Jesus. Yet, even after 10 years with Him, His response to my hurriedness is still surprising and beautiful.
In Matthew 11, Jesus directly counters this common mindset:
“’Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.’” – Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to Me,” He says, “and I will give rest for your souls.” This isn’t the kind of rest you get after a nap or a good night’s sleep. It’s a peace that transcends the chaos around you, a stillness in the midst of the noise.
In a world that tells us to fix things on our own and keep moving, Jesus says, “Stop striving. Rest here.”
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