Amidst this time of great trials in my life, it is interesting how God isn’t just solving my own problems and giving me strength, but He is also leading me to walk alongside others who are also going through extreme difficulties. Something about this doesn’t make sense—why would He have me help others when it’s all I can do to stagger out of bed in the morning to take care of my own responsibilities? My friend, something truly remarkable is occurring. Rather than feeling more burdened by helping others—my burdens are becoming lighter.
How is this possible?
It is a phenomenon that truly defies the reasoning of our world culture. But it makes sense when viewing it through the lens of God’s Word. Didn’t Jesus promise us that HIS yoke is easy and HIS burden is light? (Matthew 11:28-30)
Well, He is teaching me what that looks like and—it’s very exciting!
Let me better explain how I’m experiencing this. Jesus commanded us to love OTHERS as we love OURSELVES. So as I strain under the weight of my burdens, I would desperately love for someone to come along and lighten them; indeed, even rescue me from them!!! But instead, God puts someone in my path who is also burdened and says, “Go lighten their load.” So when I begin to do things to lighten their burden, I am engaging in the kind of miraculous, supernatural love that Jesus commanded us to have for each other. But—it’s not ME loving them—rather, it’s JESUS—through me. The phenomenal effect is that Jesus lightens my load. How? Well, when we love others as we are loved, we’re placing ourselves in the harness (or yoke) with Jesus—working WITH Him. When we’re pulling in the same direction as God (as opposed to against Him or without Him at all), believe me—He’s doing MOST of the heavy lifting.
When we’re loving others like Jesus loves us, we’re walking in sync with Jesus and allowing Him to bear the greatest weight of our burdens!
It is an extraordinary experience to watch God carry our most crushing burdens. In our weakness we realize just how really strong He is. In fact, one might say that it is ONLY in our weakness we are allowed to fully experience the greatest manifestations of God’s strength. Our “weaknesses” come in many forms–financial hardship, business crisis, an unmet need, cancer, a physical problem, a sinful tendency, etc. But—it is our seemingly insurmountable and persistent weaknesses which present us with the magnificent opportunity to experience God’s strength.
In God’s Almighty hands, our most terrible trouble is the seed from which a mighty oak will grow!
Paul the Apostle wrote:
“…lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me,
‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My STRENGTH is made PERFECT in WEAKNESS.’
Therefore most gladly I will rather BOAST in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in INFIRMITIES, in REPROACHES, in NEEDS, in PERSECUTIONS, in DISTRESSES, for Christ’s sake.[His glory] For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
2 Corinthians 12:7-10 NKJV
The biggest barrier to our triumph over trials is not—the size of the problem—rather, it’s the degree to which we commit to give it to God.
We must know God well enough to hand each situation over to Him. We must trust Him more than we trust ourselves or anyone else. As we seek Him, we learn He is very, very trustworthy. When trouble makes us more dependent upon God as our greatest Source of strength, He transforms each trial, sickness, crises, distress, or rejection—into a miraculous work—for His glory.
We would love to hear your thoughts about this devotional. Did God speak to you or challenge your daily walk with him? Or is there a topic that you would like Kimberly to cover or expound on? Please share with us in the comments below.
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6 Responses
I am sorry you are going through such a difficult time but I am glad you are able to allow God to use it for your good and the good of others
Thank you, I’m trying to look at each trial as an opportunity for God’s glory! What a great life God’s given us!
Powerful. Some of the most satisfying times in my life is when I was helping someone else. Perfect devotion.
Yes! We were created to serve and work—-which is love! Kind of turns our idea of love around back to God and others, doesn’t it? So glad God is faithful to teach us. Blessings.
Does it sound crazy if I Believe the God instructions are to continue to write his story , our story because it won’t end in revolution, but unto a new book yet to be wrote? I’d like to know your thoughts on this. Yes God has carried me my whole life and Jesus is always beside me. Peace Love and Earth
God uses our individual lives to write unique stories for His glory—-for sure!!! Blessings.