Bearing Burdens

Bible Reading: Psalm 40:1-5
Author: Mrs. Mary Wisner (Michigan, USA)
Friday 26 April 2024 © The Upper Room.
Sometimes when people receive life-threatening news, they can become stuck on an endless cycle of paralysing fear.  But from the time I was diagnosed with stage-four breast cancer, I have been surrounded by prayers and encouragement from multitudes of people.  As a result, time and again as this journey continues, I marvel at how small a burden the weight of my circumstances seems.

When the cancer moved into my brain and I was faced with brain surgery, I was reminded of a college backpacking trip in the Rocky Mountains.  I had fainted and needed to descend the mountain at a much slower pace than the rest of the group.  When I reached base camp, I realised that I had been carrying only the frame of my pack.  My fellow hikers had distributed the other 30 to 40 pounds among themselves.

It is a mystery, but somehow the Holy Spirit lightens the weight of our burdens through others’ prayers, acts of kindness, and words of encouragement.  When we know someone going through a difficult time, a simple text, card, or meal may be enough for us to relieve a portion of the burden.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for those who have helped to carry our burdens.  Help us to share the burdens of others.  Amen.
 
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I am so thrilled and excited about the BSL version of Deaf Missions Daily Devotions. I have their booklet and been using them for nearly a year. I have good command of English but still struggle with the concept of the context at times. What a difference it has made just watching someone signing the passage so clearly and of superior quality! I notice the USA are far more advanced with access to the Gospel in ASL but now you have made it possible for us. So many thanks for this! May it go from strength to strength. JJ