Giving Up

The snow fell, finally, wet and heavy. It fell hard for hours.  It covered the lines until they broke under the weight.  No power, knee deep snow.  We had to get cords and generators.  We had to be prepared.  We had to help the workers fix the downed lines.


So often life is like this.  Heavy weight until we buckle under.  It feels like we will break beneath.  


Jesus knew this.  Jesus knows this.


Luke 11:46  Jesus replied, “And you experts in the law, woe to you, because you load people down with burdens they can hardly carry, and you yourselves will not lift one finger to help them."


In Matthew, He reminds us He will carry our burdens.  How?  By us helping each other!   In Galatians we are exhorted to do just this. Carry one another's burdens.   Lighten the load, folks.


(I could have given you those verses, but I really want your Bible in your hands about now, looking them up! So go...look.  I'll be here waiting...)


<-------------------------------------Waiting------------------------------------------>


Are you back?  Did you find Matthew 11:30 and Galatians 6:2?  (and you thought I wouldn't help you out!)


As we enter the season of Lent many people give something up for God.  Last year I gave up my comfort zone.  It was hard. It was rewarding. It changed my life. It literally changed everything.  God moved in my life in ways I never imagined.


This year my offering for Lent is to give up my assumptions.  You know those nasty things that keep us from people, places and ideas because of what we think or assume.  It won't be easy.  It will be hard, but if I let go and let God I'm confident something amazing is going to come.


Like the hydro lines, we aren't meant to carry weight that isn't part of our design.  God made us for Him.  We did not make God for us.  He designed us to carry things, and enables us, through grace, to let other things go.  


When it feels like it is too heavy - give it to God.  He can carry it. He promised to.  When you see a brother or a sister struggling under a weight, help them.  Lessen their load as God lessens ours.  Can we offer them a break from the kids?  A job?  Extra food from our freezer?  Clothes?  Maybe a job reference?  How about an encouraging call or art project? 


What burdens do you see people stumbling under today?  How can you help?  


Drop that assumption that they asked for it, or that they deserved it or that it was earned.  


Drop the assumption that your help is not wanted or needed. 


Drop the assumption that God will send someone - He doesn't have to. 
He already sent you by opening your eyes to their need.


If God shows you something, only the devil would want you to walk away.  Our burdens become less when we share the load.  Pray together. Love one another. Be salt and light.


What are you giving up for Lent?  Care to share?