A Burdened Heart

I saw this title in a magazine, "An Unburdened Heart", I get where the author was going with their article on forgiveness and how our heart should be free from sin. But, I couldn't help but think about it in a different way. My mind immediately went to the burdens we carry for others. Their hurts, their pain, their suffering. Are we burdened or unburdened?

A basic definition of burden is : that which is carried, a load; that which is born of difficulty or obligation.  In today's society we try to steer clear of that which is burdensome. You hear things like, "I hate to be a burden" or "That's a heavy burden to bear." We opt for the easy, the light load, or the happiest of feelings. We run from burdens. Jesus ran to them. He sought them out. He favored the lowly and was so moved by compassion he carried our burdens to the cross.

In response to him carrying our burdens, we are obligated to carry the burdens of others even in the midst of carrying our own. Perhaps, this is the single most gift we are given as Christians. When we only focus on our own problems somehow they seem bigger. But, in the midst of reaching out our trials seem smaller or more distant. They don't go away and we still have to face them. But, often in our trials we have a choice to allow them to take us out or refocus our eyes on others. Some of my biggest burdens have later become my biggest passions.

Carrying someone's burden isn't ever about fixing it, it is simply being obedient to what God asks of you. You play a small part in a big plan. Small isn't something we do well with. We want bigger, better, all or nothing. As God has lead us on a journey of mission work in Africa, my heart has been burdened for many things. However, I  have to listen and trust God to show me where my efforts should be focused and what the best plan of action is and then follow through. My burden turns into action, but only by his leading. However, I have no doubt, he wants me to do something.

Where and what have you been burdened by? Where have you turned away because it was just too much? I challenge you to take a small step. You might feel like it won't make a difference. Trust me, it will. Love in any form is never small. Be burdened and see where God leads.

SMALL things

 

In a world that is constantly looking for the next “big” thing or convinces us of our need to be “known” sometimes God’s calling seems small? What if our lives aren’t seen by others, we don’t get constant praise, or what if we are totally forgotten? Does our life still have meaning? Is the value of it less?

As I think of my friend who makes bread in a small bakery in Africa, or the African teachers who day in and day out teach their students, or the small African churches lead by my friends who love Jesus- they do it faithfully and quietly everyday with no attention or notoriety. They challenge my American thoughts of what true success is and the motivation behind what we do. Their lives are full of influence, love, and compassion.

Could it be that our calling is to love and to live each and every day, even when no one knows, cares, or applauds. We “know” we don’t need the world’s approval or a standing ovation, but sometimes the world’s voice is just so darn loud. It is easy to get caught up in the rat race, even when we are following God. Our eyes and hearts can turn to a huge picture that we desire to paint oftentimes, with great intentions. But, it is the small details and intricate pieces of our lives that God chooses to paint his picture. He brings purpose to every element of our life. God tells us that he will do things in our time that we could never dream or imagine. My thoughts tend to run to big, huge, giant things, which sometimes he chooses. However, it seems often in his ultimate power and strength he chooses the weak, small, and the forgotten to show his glory. I am constantly being reminded that his ways are not our ways.

I don’t think it’s coincidental that God meets us in our brokenness and makes us new. Perhaps it is only when we have released our grip, given up on our plans, and choose to follow His ways that we find true peace and see the world through his eyes. What is it if a man gains the whole world, but forfeits his soul (Mathew 16:26)? True freedom is not just found in ultimate obedience, but in embracing the character and heart of Christ. So be encouraged today as you do the “small” things. It is in those” small” things that God’s greatness shines bright.