You Don't Have to Be Strong Right Now

How many times have you been told to be strong? "Be strong for the kids," "be strong, life goes on," "you're strong, you'll get through this." And you were strong for so long that you forgot you had permission not to be. Today, set that weight down. Jesus doesn't call you to be strong — He calls you to rest. Notice the invitation: He doesn't say "pull yourself together" or "get over it quickly." He says come, just as you are, weary and burdened, and rest in me. The strength you no longer have, He has in abundance. There is no weakness in admitting you can't do it alone; there is wisdom in handing over what is too heavy to carry. You can stop pretending. Before God, you don't need to be the strong one. You only need to be the beloved one.