"Heavy Load"

In 2nd Corinthians, chapter twelve, the apostle Paul addresses the fact that he has been given the flesh; the messenger of Satan to buffet him, lest he should be exalted above measure. In more common terms, he has been given a burden of affliction to weight him down. Now upon first reading the chapter, one might suppose that this is harsh treatment to such a wonderful worker of God. The very fact that Paul prayed to God on three different occasions, asking him to remove this thing to no avail would seem to be alarming to a believer. The only response God gave to Paul was the statement that "My grace is sufficient for thee." This was probably not the answer that Paul wanted to hear. After consideration, Paul stated that "Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." The apostle realized that the burden was not punishment, but rather a stabilizer to help keep him grounded. A heavy load might not be as bad as one might think. The weightier we are, the less chance we have to be blown away by the winds from the storms of life.

I know that many times Christians seem to be burdened down with so many trials that one might think that God did not love them. I know we have all heard the term "tough love"; this might just be the case when God doesn't move the heavy load we are carrying. He knows that this weight may keep us on our knees in prayer and meditation, which is a good thing. Many characters in the bible carried heavy loads, but God was always there to help them through every situation, and his grace is still sufficient today. So remember the burden you're trying to pray away, may just be your stabilizer to keep you grounded.

Brother Eddie Allen