The Burden

I was doing my devotions yesterday and found myself intrigued with what I was studying. I am reading the book "Edges of His Ways" by Amy Carmichael.  I have read this book before and love seeing what God pulls out when I go through a devotional a second time. To give you some context: Amy Carmichael was a missionary to South India in 1895 and this book is from her notes. I can't imagine the challenges of living overseas with no way to connect back home...yet like so many before her, she did.

Numbers 7:9 Upon their shoulders
 "The burdens we have to carry on our shoulders are what our God counts most precious."

This year is about experiencing God as Relentless and seeing the ways He is calling me to be Relentless as well. I was challenged to think about how I view my burdens, those things which weigh heavy on my heart and mind. The things which I struggle under and fall to my knees in prayer begging God to release me from. When in great need my face touches the floor and I will feel God's peace and strength fill me so I can rise carrying what He has asked.

God is calling me to be Relentless with these burdens, with this weight I carry. To carry them with joy and faith as God is being Relentless to use them to continue to shape me; burning away the ugliness and sin in my heart. The burden is part of what keeps me coming back to God, because sadly I'm not sure how often I would return if the weight didn't, at times, bring me to my knees. It is an easy choice not to become bitter or angry with the Lord. I trust Him. I believe Him. And He has been on this journey with me for too long for my heart to think He is not working towards something good in my life. He is the Healer, Life giver, Lover, and Purchaser of me.

As I sat with the Lord this morning talking about my burdens, tears streaming down my face, I heard His gentle whisper..."Do you trust me?" Do I trust Him enough to know He knows more and loves the people I love more than I ever could? That He is working towards something yet unseen to me? That He is producing things in me and the people I love through these burdens? That He is being Relentless with my heart as I Relentlessly work to choose joy? Yes Lord, I do...this is most precious to Him.

The Lotus Flower...pushing its way through heavy mud and dirt to find freedom