Bearing One Another’s Own Load

Text: Galatians 6:1-5
Theme: How to carry our own load, yet still have room for other’s.
Key verses: “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (v. 2). “Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load” (v. 4-5).
What God said to me: Dwayne, I’ve given you big shoulders. In fact, I’ve given all my children the extra capacity to carry the burdens of others, in addition to their own. Remember that my power–the same power that raised Jesus from the dead–lives in you. You really can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. Far too many of my followers try to carry their loads alone, and hence they stumble, falter and fall. You were meant to cast all your care on me, for I care for you. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me, for meek and lowly of heart. So in a nutshell: 1. Accept responsibility for your own burden. 2. Cast your own burden on me. 3. Take up someone else’s burden as your own.
What I said to God: Lord, thank You for this amazing insight and truth. Sometimes grow weary of bearing burdens. I’ve even entertained the thought of casting off certain ministry obligations and forfeiting some dreams. Simply walking away from some things has great appeal at times I admit. Such thoughts are pre-cursors to burn-out and fatigue. You’ve called me to do these ministries. I don’t have the option of walking away from them. I confess I’ve given out a lot but not been taking in and refueling in Your presence often enough lately. I claim this verse and take this opportunity now to cast my burdens on You–financial concerns about Next Level Worship and future family plans, marketing and expansion responsibilities that weigh at me, church leadership and ministry growth challenges–I cast them all on You right now. I commit my way unto the Lord and trust that You will bring it to pass. I feel so burdened down by my own concerns that I have little or no capacity to listen and care for the concerns of my wife, my sons, my friends. Help bring me back into a healthy balance of giving and receiving help. And please help me to start having fun again. I know bearing other’s burdens isn’t exactly “fun.” But there’s a sense of fulfillment in knowing I’m investing in others. That’s much more enjoyable than bending under the weight of my own burdens–burdens I was never meant to carry alone or for long. I choose to cast them on You today, and leave them there…