Bring Your Burdens to Jesus!

"Don't ever buy into the idea that everything God prompts His followers to do will be uncomplicated or low-cost. Sometimes God asks His children to carry heavy loads, as He did with the apostle Paul. But even--and often especially--under those backbreaking burdens, God's purposes are fulfilled. When our (whispered) task is tough, the reward of knowing we've helped further His Kingdom and bettered our broken world is all the sweeter.

"If you ever find yourself with a difficult assignment, why not try giving God thanks for trusting you with something that needs your particular strength. He assigns tasks to the right person every time. He did it throughout history, and He still does it today. As you walk whatever potholed path He has asked you to walk, never forget the tough journey that Jesus Himself once made. ...Christ was asked to bear the most difficult assignment of all--to lay down His life as a redemptive sacrifice for humankind. He chose to obey. And because of His obedience, you and I enjoy our redemption today."   -Bill Hybels' The Power of a Whisper (p.110-111)

Sometimes God will allow things to enter our lives that nearly devastate us. But, He does it to grow us and teach us more about Him. Now, we all know that trouble and trials are part of human life. After all, Job said it, (Job 14:1; Job 5:7). And so did Jesus, (John 16:33). Burdens, troubles, trials and difficulties are going to come our way! That is a given. Felix Neff said, “A Christian without affliction is like a soldier only on parade.” However, what is not a given is what you and I will do about the trials and troubles that come our way.

So, you're probably thinking, "Great, but how can I do this? How can I make this happen?" Here are some suggestions to help you. First, take your burdens to the right place. Seriously, fretting won't help you. Most people take their burdens here on Earth, but it's the wrong place to take them. After all, we're forbidden from worry by the Word, (Philippians 4:6; John 14:1).

Next, which will be difficult for many of you to agree to, but friends won't help you. For example, Job tried to tell his friends ab out his burdens, but he found that they were “physicians of no value”, (Job 13:4). The problem with friends is that they will lie to you! They will allow you to wallow in self-pity and tell you that you have a right to do so. They may even sympathize with you, but they can’t really help you with the real burdens of life! Did you know that a real friend is someone who tells you the truth, even when it rips your heart out? (Proverbs 27:6)

Third, fleeing, or running away won't help you, either. You'll never be able to run away from the problems and trials of life. Israel found this out the hard way (Numbers 13-14; Deuteronomy 9).

Fourth, which is really good advice, fighting won't help you. A lot of people try to live in denial and fight what they are called to face. Fighting against what the Lord brings into your life is dangerous! If you aren't careful, you might find yourself fighting against God.

And fifth, which is also very important, The Father will help you. Notice the invitation - “Come!” The Lord throws open the door to His throne room and invites all who are in need to come to Him for help, (Hebrews 4:16). He is our Father, and He is interested in helping us through the difficult passageways of life! He is our shepherd, and He will see to what we need, (Psalm 23:1-6).

In addition to taking your burdens to the right place, transfer your burdens to the right person! Believe it, or not, there is One who cares about your situation (1 Peter 5:7). Jesus has walked through loneliness, need, difficulty and death. He has been hated, loved, accepted and rejected. He knows what you are going through and He cares about you, (Hebrews 4:15). Don’t think for a minute that He won’t understand! He does! He knows what you need more than you know it yourself!

Following this train of thought, know that there is One who can do something about your situation. Yep, you heard right! Not only does He know what we face, He can change what we face and how we face it! His power is beyond imagination (Ephesians 3:20; Job 42:2; Luke 1:38.) Think about it. If He can place the stars in heaven with a spreading of the fingers, then your problems and mine pose no problem at all to Him! (Isaiah 40:12)

Here's a few more suggestions for you. Trust your burdens to the right provisions! Sometimes He will remove your burden. Yes, there are times when the Lord changes your situation in an instant, removing your burden. Sometimes He will relieve your burden. There are times when the Lord will leave the burden on your shoulders, but He will lighten the burden a little bit. He did this for Ruth when He allowed her path to cross that of Boaz, (Ruth 2-3!)

And finally, sometimes He will rest you in your burden. This is the most common aid we receive from Him. He gives us grace to carry the load we have been assigned, (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Remember this, however He decides to handle your situation, you can be sure that He will always do that which is right for your life, (Romans 8:28). And, you can rest on His promise that He will meet your need, (Philippians 4:19). In closing, what’s handling you today? Why don’t you just bring it to Him? He knows how to handle what’s handling you!

Scripture: Matthew 11:28-29; Psalm 55:22; Philippians 4:6; 1 Peter 3:18; Romans 10:9; Matthew 6:25-34;  Romans 12:2

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for this day. Sometimes I feel as if prayer does no good and I am talking to no one. Sometimes I feel all alone. Please let me feel your presence and know you are there. Amen

God bless you!

Stacy