A professor was giving a lesson on pain and stress management. He raised a cup of water and asked his, How much does this cup of water weigh?” “Twenty ounces. “, said one student. “Eight ounces”, “Sixteen ounces”, “Twelve ounces” answered other students. The professor smiled and explained, “It doesn’t really matter what it’s absolute weight is. It’s heaviness really depends on how long I hold it. If I hold it for a minutes, it’s not to heavy. If I hold it for an hour, my arm will start to ache. If I hold it for a day……you may need to call an ambulance! It is the exact same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it gets!”
The professor went on to explain, “If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, we will not be able to carry on, the burden becoming increasingly heavier. What you have to do is to put the glass down, rest for a while before holding it up again. We have to put down the burden periodically, so that we can be refreshed and are able to carry on.”
When life seems impossible, it is often hard to cope. What seems impossible for us is never impossible for God. It is important to follow God’s directions and to listen to His wisdom–applying these things to our lives. Sometimes it is as simple as seeking Godly advice that provides a workable solution that maybe hasn’t been considered.
In seeking refuge in Jesus and seeking His advice, we are able to begin to let the pain go, in effect, putting the glass down. His advice will be to forgive, to humble our hearts, to soften our hearts, and often to sublimate the pain by focusing on others and other task. In these ways we are letting the pain go or putting it down and finding rest from the burden of it’s weight.
So, before you give up, thinking that it is an impossible situation, talk with God, tell Him your pain and your situation. He knows, BUT, I believe that He wants to hear it from you. This is what “relationship” is all about…sharing our pains and gains. Talk with a trusted and Godly friend, not only should you receive encouragement and empathy, but you should also receive loving advice seen from outside the fog of your situation.
Then lastly……when you have a friend that is facing seemingly impossible circumstances….be there….listen…encourage…..empathize, and offer loving and Godly advice from outside the fog.
Matthew 19:26 ( NIRV )
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man, that is impossible. But with God, all things are possible.”Philippians 4:11-13 ( NIRV )
11 …..I have learned to be content no matter what happens to me. 12 I know what it’s like not to have what I need. I also know what it’s like to have more than I need. I have learned the secret of being content no matter what happens. I am content whether I am well fed or hungry. I am content whether I have more than enough or not enough. 13 I can do everything by the power of Christ. He gives me strength.Exodus 18:21 – 23 ( NLT )
21 But select from all the people some capable, honest men who fear God and hate bribes. ……….They will help you carry the load, making the task easier for you.23 If you follow this advice, and if God commands you to do so, then you will be able to endure the pressures, and all these people will go home in peace.”
May you seek refuge in a relationship with Jesus and allow Him to share your burden. Life is short, look for the blessing in all situations…….. and be the blessing.
