Because God is good—and because He loves us deeply—He doesn’t just speak truth into our lives. He invites us to live it out. He reveals His Word, then gives us the opportunity to learn it in real life.

“Take my yoke upon you…for my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” —Matthew 11:30
“Take up your cross daily, deny yourself, and follow me.” – Luke 9:23
“I have a good life for you.” —Jesus, John 10:10

Yesterday was one of those real-life moments.

My day started at a networking event where I was reminded how to truly connect with people: be interested in others first. Simple, but powerful.

Then came the real adventure—TreeHouse Adventure Park in Bailey, CO—with my 13-year-old great niece. She’s a brave soul and couldn’t wait to do the ropes course and zipline… with her 60+ year-old great aunt.

Before I go on, here’s what you need to know about me:

• I’ve never done a zip line or ropes course in my life.

• I’m afraid of heights.

• I’m active, but not athletic.

• I want a deeper walk with God.

• I long for a stronger relationship with Jesus.

As we waited for our turn, I watched others and blurted out, “I’m NOT doing that.” I felt panic rising. Was there even a way out?

Thoughts ran wild:

• Maybe it’s okay to forfeit the $56.

• I don’t want to disappoint my niece.

• I committed to doing one brave thing a day—this might count for a whole month!

• You can do this. You can choose.

Once we suited up, my heart raced. Would I remember how to work the safety gear? What if I panicked halfway through? The only rule: You can’t go backward.

But I did it.

I completed two beginner courses—and even those were a challenge. Ropes, swaying boards, zip lines…I was out of my comfort zone the whole time. But it was there, in the discomfort, that I heard God most clearly.

As I faced the simplest—but still terrifying—elements, He spoke:

• My yoke is easy. The harness was my yoke that day. If I slipped, He had me.

• You can’t turn back, but you’re not alone. I am with you.

• Your way won’t work here. Mine will. Stop protecting yourself—I’m already doing that.

• Want a great marriage? Then forgive. Speak truth. Have the hard conversations.

• Want to share good news? Then face your own fears.

• Want to experience grace? Then give it—to yourself, and to others.

• Want your business, Family Home Works, to become what I’ve envisioned? Trust Me.

Each step forward became an act of faith.

And just like in life, I needed people. I needed help. I asked for reminders. I changed strategy when mine didn’t work. And when I missed the platform and started zipping backward, I had someone cheering me on.

Here’s what I learned:

• God’s yoke really is better than mine.

• My cross is mine to carry—and it has purpose.

• I must deny myself: the fear, the urge to quit, the desire to go it alone.

• I need encouragers.

• I need new strategies sometimes.

• And I need to ask when I’m stuck.

Most of all, I was reminded to live out my word for the year: Perseverance.

“Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” —Hebrews 12:1b

Whatever your own course looks like—remember, God’s got you. Jesus’ yoke is light. His way is better. And you’re never, ever walking it alone.

🌿 Reflection Question

What fear are you being invited to face today—and how might trusting God’s yoke instead of your own change the outcome?