Too Heavy

 I did something a couple of days ago that I probably should have done as soon as we had finished loading our trailer two weeks ago.  I hooked that trailer, filled with all my worldly possessions, to my boss’s work truck, and I drove it down to the local landfill to weigh it on their scales.  Now the manufacturer’s recommendation for the Tahoe is that the tow weight not exceed 6900 lbs.  So when I weighed the packed out trailer, the total weight was 9300 lbs.  I only exceeded the weight limit by 2400 lbs.  Oops.

Needless to say, I did not really feel comfortable driving across the country with that heavy of a load. And I knew that if I was going to reach my destination, end up where God wanted me to be, I was going to have to leave some “stuff” behind.   So a couple friends and I spent the evening unloading the trailer, and Crystal and I went through almost every box and tub, trying to determine what we could leave behind.  And I learned that shedding 2400 lbs is not easy.  We spent a couple of hours making some tough decisions.  What must we take?  What can we leave behind?  What are the most important things we want with us on this journey?  What can easily be replaced after we arrive?

So the next morning, we reloaded my trailer, laying aside the weight that would hinder us. Of course, this whole episode got me to thinking about how many of us are weighed down by loads we are not meant to be carrying.  Loads that hinder us from accomplishing God’s perfect plan for us.

I am absolutely convinced that God has a very personal and specific purpose for each of us, a mission for us to accomplish for the kingdom.  But we cannot fully pursue God and His purpose if we are weighed down.

For some, the weights are internal things we carry deep inside ourselves.  Doubt, fear, guilt, shame.  These are powerful, fiery darts in the enemy’s arsenal.  He hurls them at us with all the hatred and vengeance he can muster.  He takes all of our hurts, failures, misunderstandings, mistakes, etc., and lays them before us again and again, as if to say, “This is who you really are!” And many become casualties of war by listening to his vicious lies. 

This is why we are to take up the shield of faith and the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God.  God’s Word tells a much different story about who you are.  You see, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature.  Old things are passed away all things are new. (2 Corinthians 5:17)  According to God, you are valuable, significant, holy, justified, righteous, powerful, and complete.  You are a prince/princess, a warrior, an ambassador, salt, light, and a citizen of heaven.  Christ has granted us forgiveness, healing, hope, freedom, purpose, and a future. (Just pull out a concordance and see what the Bible says about all of these things.)

 The enemy knows this and hates it.  He also knows your potential and fears it.  So he will spew his lies in order to steal kill and destroy all that God has for you.  My suggestion: let it go.  Drop the lies that you have believed for so long.  Realize what God says about you.  And swing that Sword at the devil, and he will have to flee.  By the way, do not be afraid to get some outside help with this if you need it. 

Other weights come from outside sources that we allow to control us.  More specifically, I am talking about all the things that compete for our time and energy: work, little league, play groups, church, ballet lessons, extended family, church, bowling league, unexpected phone calls, piano recitals, church.

I know way too many people that allow others to set their agenda, instead of seeking God and asking Him what they need to be doing.  I know I mentioned church three times in my list, and that was not an accident.  I have seen far too many Christ followers get burned out simply because they do not know how to say “no” to the Sunday school director, or the choir leader, or the nursery coordinator, or the youth pastor, or the chairman of the welcoming committee, or the Awana commander, or the head usher, or Sister Eunice’s bake club, or whatever other ministry has been created to be a “blessing” to others.  Let me say this as nicely as possible: Every ministry leader that approaches you about helping in their ministry has an agenda.  They have positions to fill, and you will help them get that job done.  And with very few exceptions, they are not concerned about your time, your abilities, your talents, or your God-given calling.  All they know is that you are breathing, and you can help them meet their quota.

I know this sounds harsh, but very few of them are actually looking out for you.  So guess what?  You have to look out for you.  Let me tell you how to keep from getting trapped into doing something that you do not want to do (whether at church or any other venue). 

First of all, seek God and find out what HE wants you to do. Again, I am convinced that God has a perfect plan for your life.  And He has created you with built-in talents, abilities, and desires to accomplish His mission. 

Secondly, if you are presented with an opportunity that does not line up with God’s purpose for you, simply say, “No, that is not what God is calling me to do at this time.”  Remember not every open door is from God, and just because something is “good” does not mean that it is God’s best for you.

Now if you are not sure about an opportunity, take some time to pray about it.  When God answers, act accordingly.

Finally, stand your ground.  Some of these ministry leaders  are very persistent.  They will come back, especially as their deadline approaches and they grow desperate.  Many will seek to “guilt” you into service.  Don’t cave.  Be strong and very courageous for the Lord is with you.

Now don’t get me wrong.  This is not an excuse for you to say no to everything; we are called to serve.  What I am saying is this:  Don’t get so busy meeting others’ agendas that you miss out on the mission that God has set before you.  Release any and every weight, whether internal or external, that will keep you from following your life’s purpose.

By the way, my trailer is totally reloaded, and I am still a little too heavy.  So I am headed out to release some more weight.  I do not want anything to keep me from reaching my destination.