Daily Devotional for Sunday December 21, 2008

Overwhelming Burdens

(Galatians 6:2)

Everyone who lives has those times when the burdens of this life can become overwhelming. Whatever the reasons, however it happened, you wake up feeling like the weight of the world is on your shoulders. The joy, the peace, the pleasures of this life seem so far away. We have all been through those valleys, so we know how difficult it can be. I often talk to you about being in the will of God. That can be difficult at times, determining exactly what God's will is for our life, but there are some basics God expects us to do that the Bible clearly tells us are His will for our life.

One of those is to bear the burdens of others. I want to really challenge you this Christmas season, to put aside your cares and help someone you know who is struggling to carry their load today. I realize that you may be dealing with some difficult issues yourself, but there is someone God has placed in your life, a family member, neighbor, schoolmate, coworker, a friend . . . someone who is really hurting and struggling under the weight of their problems today. God is telling you to go help that person carry their burden today.

As we know, many people are reluctant to open up about the very intimate problems of life. That can make it difficult for someone trying to help. But even if they don't totally open up, just your interest, your compassion, your desire to help can make all the difference in the world. The Bible teaches that we really are our brother's keeper. Reaching out with the love of Christ to someone who is hurting is the ultimate ministry anyone can perform in this life.

If you read the accounts of the earthly ministry of Jesus in the Gospels, you will see much of His ministry was one on one with hurting people. That is the example He has left us. I am challenging you today to find that someone in your life, hurting, falling under the weight of their problems, and pick them up. Pick them up and carry them for a while. It is what Jesus would do, it is what God is asking you to do.

I love you and care about you deeply. I want to see you enjoy all of the blessings God has for your life. Helping others in their hour of need is one of the greatest ways God can use your life, and you will be blessed beyond your imagination for your faithfulness. Serving others is something you don't need a seminary degree for, you don't need any special training for, and you don't need to be appointed to do.

Serving others is what God expects from all His children, and He has given you a new heart of love to make it possible to share that love with others. You see, without the Lord, we have a difficult time loving others. But when we realize how much God loved us and sacrificed for us, it becomes easy for us to then love others. Just let the love God has put in your heart flow into the lives of those around you. It is the greatest testimony you have.

Please don't hesitate to contact me if there is any way I can help you. You are special to me, and I will try my best to help you walk through the problems you are facing in your life and be victorious. God loves you, and my only desire is to see you become the best you can be for Him. You can do that today by finding someone you know this Christmas who is in need and helping them carry their burden. That is God's will for you.

In His love and service, Your friend and brother in Christ, Bill Keller