Before I jump in, thank you for joining me here as I restart this Substack.
I’m keeping things simple this time — one main post each week — and using this space like a public notebook where I write down what God is teaching me. I’m glad you’re here.
Now onto today’s reflection.
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28
Are you tired?
Carrying more than you should?
Feeling like what you’re doing just isn’t working?
Here are two simple stories that reminded me of how God meets us right where we are — not after we fix ourselves, but before.
1. The Fish in the Dirty Water
I once heard a story about a guy who loved to fish.
He tried to clean a fish while it was still swimming in muddy, cloudy water. Every time he reached for it, the fish slipped away. The water even made the fish look clean from a distance because the dirt hid everything.
Finally he laughed and said,
“You can’t clean a fish while it’s still in the dirty water.
You have to bring it out first.”
When I heard that, something clicked.
Isn’t that how so many of us try to live?
We stay in the same muddy water of shame, guilt, fear, or old habits.
We try to fix ourselves before we come to God.
But we can’t reach our own hearts any more than that fisherman could reach that fish.
God never asked us to clean ourselves up first.
He simply said, “Come.”
“Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters…”
Isaiah 55:1
2. The Hungry Man and the Free Meal
There’s another story of a starving, thirsty man who walked into a restaurant. The waiter placed a hot, juicy steak in front of him.
It smelled amazing.
It was exactly what he needed.
It was free.
But the man shook his head and said,
“No, I should fix myself first before I eat.”
It sounds silly — but it’s exactly what we do with God’s Word.
We are starving on the inside.
We need peace, strength, comfort, truth.
And God sets His Word right in front of us, ready to feed our souls…
yet we think we need to get ourselves together first.
God does not ask us to come perfect.
He invites us to come hungry.
“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”
Matthew 4:4
“Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.”
John 15:3
He does the washing.
He does the feeding.
He does the changing.
Our part is simply to come.
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
Psalm 119:105
Take one small step today:
Open your Bible — even if your life feels messy.
Let God pull you out of the muddy water and feed you with His truth.
I recently read through 1 John, and I was reminded again of how deeply God loves us.
How He brings us into His family as sons.
How blessed we are to be called the children of God.
What’s one place where you need God’s Word to bring strength or peace today?
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God…
That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”
2 Timothy 3:16–17
Jesus loves you — for real.
— Brian
Recap on things you might have missed this week:
Curious what practicing to hear God can look like in everyday ways? During a recent prophetic practice night, God used scents, musical chairs, and multiple unexpected confirmations to encourage me deeply.
I’ve been wanting to read the Word aloud, and I’ve finally gotten started. Would love to have you join as I read through the Word.