[328 words]
A father was watching his young son struggle to lift a heavy rock. The little fellow grunted and strained, but couldn’t move it. The father said, “Son, are you sure you are using all your strength?” The exhausted boy said, “Yes, I am!” The father replied, “No, you are not. You haven’t asked me to help you.”
How true is this illustration! We grunt and struggle with our burdens in this earthly life, often forgetting the Father in heaven is always willing to aid us.
Throughout the Bible, God tells us to rely on His strength, and not our own. Consider how David proclaimed, “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold” (Psalm 18:2).
In times of old, God promised Israel that He would come to their aid in times of trouble. The prophet Isaiah recorded the words of God as He said, “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, and I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous hand” (Isa. 41:10).
Under the New Covenant of Jesus Christ, God also encourages us to come to Him for help. Jesus said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28). And since sin is our biggest burden (Rom. 3:23; 6:23), we need to come to Jesus, who is the only one who can take away our sins (Heb. 9:25-28; John 14:6). This happens when we are born again the Bible way: through (1) belief in Christ (John 3:16; 8:24), (2) open confession of His name (Matt. 10:32-33); (3) repentance (Luke 13:3,5; Acts 17:30-31), and (4) baptism in water (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38).
Remember today that “all your strength” includes a loving Father in heaven! He’s willing to aid you. Are you willing to cast your burdens upon Him, and ask for His help? Do it the Bible way!
Matt Clifton
BulletinDigest.com