God's Gym

While it is said that God will not give more than we can bear, the theology of which is taken from an expanded and somewhat loose interpretation of 1 Cor 10:13, it is certainly true that there are times when we feel weighed down to the breaking point. In fact, there are absolutely times when it is necessary that we help "carry each other's burdens" (Gal 6:2). 

So why does God allow such heavy burdens in the first place?  Why not remove the burdens and take away those things which weigh us down?  

To begin with, much of the excess weight is not from God or our circumstances but from ourselves. Jesus tells us not to worry about tomorrow "for each day has enough trouble (weight) of its own" (Matt 6:34).  Yet, we tend to pile on the worries of tomorrow and the regrets of yesterday. 

The burden God does allow, however, is not too much or to be avoided necessarily: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything" (James 1:2-4).

What if you were to join a gym with all sorts of weights and resistance equipment but, instead of hiring a trainer to help you make the most of the painful and exhausting workout, you hired someone to do it for you.  It would be easier but what would be the benefit?  The pain if resistance is the key to growth and development.  In like manner, character, it has been said, is hammered out on the anvil of adversity.

Jesus offers "rest from our burdens" by inviting us to be "yoked" (Matt 11:28-30) with him, letting him "teach" us as he helps pull along side us, not pull for us. Jus' Sayn.