More from Linawati Santoso

Invitations are always special. When we are invited, it means someone wants our attendance. That’s why I was glad as my friend, Prisca, invited me to come to her birthday party. As I have written in my devotion, at that time I had moved to another Christian fellowship, so for a long time we hadn’t seen each other. But still Prisca remembered me and wanted my attendance. This invitation from The Upper Room to continue the conversation is also special. I am glad to share with you about my beautiful experiences with God.

In this month, many problems attacked my life. But they didn’t make me overwhelmed because I remembered the special invitation from Jesus. I repeated what he said: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28, NIV). Joyfully I accepted Jesus’ invitation. In prayer, I came to him and told him whatever made me frustrated. Afterward, my problems hadn’t suddenly gone away. My eyes still saw the hardships, but my heart had changed. No longer was I frustrated, because I remembered that Jesus is always beside me. Everything is possible with him; he can make a way where there is no way. Surely he could help me and give me the solution for my problems. I felt my strength and peace renewed.

I think when people invite someone, it’s also for their own benefit. For example, when a friend invites us to join their birthday party, it’s adds to their own excitement about their party. But the invitation from Jesus is different. His calling is all for our benefit. When we come to Jesus, he received no benefit and we receive much. From him, we receive strength, peace, joy, hope, faith, wisdom, and more.

Still many people do not yet know Jesus. They never hear about the special invitation. As the result, when hard problems attack, they are overwhelmed with sorrow, sometimes more than they can bear. Today we were reminded about The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20. Before his ascension, Jesus said: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Jesus longed for us to tell people about him so they, too, can hear his special invitation.

I hope this sharing will be a blessing to you. God bless you.