Every tomorrow has two handles.  We can take hold of it by the handle of anxiety, or by the handle of faith.  ~Author Unknown

Got burdens?  Got trials?  Most people do!  Sometimes we face mountains—trials and heartaches way bigger than we are and beyond our ability to conquer.  Often we are at the end of our ropes, trying desperately to tie a knot in them, just to hang on.

Like most people how many times have I taken my burdens to the Lord only to  take them right back up again?  All things are possible with God—wouldn’t you think I’d know this by now?

Do I think my burdens are too heavy for the Lord?  Why do I feel the need to be in control of my burdens when I have someone, no less the Lord of the Universe even, to give them to?  It really doesn’t make sense that I’d want to keep them, does it?  It is … however, a matter of faith.

But where can we get this kind of faith … faith that moves a mountain?  … We stare at some of these mountains in amazement, feeling tiny in their massive shadows as shivers run down our spines. What can we do?

“Faith can move mountains, but don’t be surprised if God hands you a shovel.” ~Author Unknown. 

God provides us a blessing of faith (Romans 12:3), but He expects us to do the work to help it grow. Jeremiah 29:13 promises “And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.”  And Romans 10:17 says, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.”

What better place to hear the Word than at our local church?  And is there any substitute for time spent reading our Bibles and praying?  How can we develop trust in anyone unless we spend time with them?  It is no different with God.

Matthew 11:28-30 says, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”  The rest that Jesus promises is His love, healing and peace.  But no where in these verses does He promise an end to our efforts.

Come unto me…that’s where it starts.  It’s all about trust.  Gotta take that first step out of the boat.  Take my yoke upon you … working through our problems with Jesus’ help.  For my yoke is easy … could it be that He can hold the weight of it off of us because He wears the other part of the yoke?  My burden is light … and He will carry the heaviest load as we trust Him and walk beside Him?

But, even if we place our burdens on the altar and leave them there, is that enough?  Could it be that Jesus wants even more from us? A closer relationship maybe?

What if we let Him lead us through hard times—working, stopping, and running as He guides us?  Could we learn the lessons He’s teaching and grow stronger, even while receiving the rest He promises?

In His faithfulness, He’s working all things together for the good of those who love Him.  In our struggles, we can see Him.  In our trials, we can learn to trust Him, and in our fears, we can come to a new level of faith.

Maybe what we need to do is crawl up on the altar with our burdens.  By putting ourselves on the altar, it doesn’t mean that we are dying … No, just the opposite!  We are really just learning to live by offering ourselves as a living sacrifice.  Since He died for us, isn’t it the least we can do to live for Him?

Dear Lord: Thank You that with You our burdens are never too heavy. You are bigger than the biggest problem we could ever have. When we lean on You, You lovingly guide us through our trials and help us to carry them while growing our relationship with You and growing our strength through faith in You. Thank You for Your provision and love for us always. Please bless those who are reading this prayer with a fresh infusion of Your love and power to help overcome their struggles. Amen

“If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall be removed; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.” Matthew 17:20

“Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them.” Mark 11:23

Thank you for reading and sharing my blogpost. Please share your comments, thoughts and experiences.

In our struggles day by day, may we see God more, learn to trust Him more and come to a higher level of faith in Him. May God bless You and Your family richly in the new year!