January 28, 2026

Nolan Hopkins
"Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a female slave who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling. She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, "These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved." She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so annoyed that he turned around and said to the spirit, "In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!" At that moment the spirit left her.'"
Acts 16:16-18

As I’m sure most of you have realized by now, the Christian walk is a difficult one. In Matthew, Jesus speaks to this. He says, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.”‭‭ (Matthew‬ ‭16‬:‭24‬-25‬)

But as I hope you’ve also discovered, the Christian way of life is also by far the most rewarding and fruitful way to live. Jesus also speaks to this in Matthew, saying, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 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. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

On this Christian walk, you and I are told to “carry our cross” by being obedient to God even when it’s uncomfortable. But we’re also promised rest and security as God guides us with gentleness.