How daunting is the thought of trying to come out from under the past, the present, or even what you see in the future? The overwhelming weight of life, and our choices in life, has brought so many men to their knees. Are we left alone and hopeless? The answer is an emphatic no. God has made it clear not only that He has redeemed us, but that by our following Him, He will lighten our burdens and walk with us daily.
- “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
—Matthew 11:28–30
The key to this is making the choice to allow our burdens to be lifted. So many Christians refuse to submit. Personally, my battle over control in my life has remained one of my most significant shortcomings in terms of faith. Rather than truly trusting God and His plan for all aspects of my life, I continue trying to take the wheel and control the outcome. God asks us to take a different path.
- “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”
—1 Peter 5:6–7
What gets in the way of submission? For me, it is often fear. I fear that if I do not take control, the outcome will be different from what I want. How foolish is that? God has the perfect plan, and yet I attempt to subvert that plan. God, however, makes it clear that He will carry that burden for us, and with us.
"God has made it clear not only that He has redeemed us, but that by our following Him, He will lighten our burdens and walk with us daily."
- “For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’”
—Isaiah 41:13
What can we do as a community? The Redeemed was founded because men need to have a place where they can share their burdens and do so in a non-judgmental environment. As brothers in Christ, we can join together to support one another and share in the love of our God. We can share our stories, and in doing so, make each other’s loads lighter.
- “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
—Galatians 6:2