Spiritual Burden

As a child and young man growing up in church, I often heard people use the word “burden” quite often. Pastors would say they had a burden for their church. Friends would speak of “carrying a burden” for a family member. I don’t hear people use the term much anymore but I am very familiar with the term and the experience. I would define “burden” as a deep concern planted by the Holy Spirit to motivate us to prayer and action.

Perhaps there will be some who will read this and say, “Oh, it is not a burden to follow Christ and do the work of God!” I understand that sentiment but there are too many scriptures that speak of personal sacrifice. “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me” (Matt. 16:24 NKJV).  I love following Jesus and following Him is the great joy of my life. However, it is not always easy. I have grown comfortable being uncomfortable in various situations.

I believe a true spiritual burden is planted by the Holy Spirit. It is spiritual, not emotional.  Emotions ebb and flow but things in our spirit cannot be easily ignored or fade away.

These spiritual burdens that I speak of, are not to drag us down or weary us. They are constant reminders of God’s calling and assignments. A few times in my life, young men who are wrestling with the call to ministry ask me for advice. I usually respond, “If you can shake it off, it is not of God, but if it keeps tugging at you then it is God.”

I don’t know how these burdens show up, even though I know they are from God. Often there is something that stimulates them such as an experience or a scripture. I have seen many people in ministry situations being affected in the short term but few who have a lingering burden. Many have a continuing desire to help but not a real sense of committing a great portion of their lives or resources to the Gospel.

Personally, I have an overwhelming burden that I cannot ignore. My family and church family know this quite well. They have been very willing to share me for the sake of the Kingdom of God. I am thankful for their understanding. I know my burden has affected the few who will cry over my grave.

It seems the burden is always bigger than my bank account, my perceived ability, and spiritual gifting. Perhaps God wants it that way, so our faith and dependence will be upon Him. The Lord responded to the Apostle Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9 NKJV).  When I compare my burden to my strengths, I feel weak. Then I look to God for His sufficient grace, power, and provision.

We all have different callings, spiritual gifts, and burdens. We should never project our burden on other people. Yet, it is a great blessing when others see our burden and lend a helping hand to fulfill the call of God on our lives. I don’t expect everyone else to have the same burden as me, but I appreciate those who lighten the load.

“For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel” (1 Cor. 9:16 NKJV)!

Lord, thank you for the burden to preach your Word. Thank you for the burden to carry the Cross of Christ, to share our bread with the hungry, to take the light and life of Jesus to a dark and dying world. Please help me to be a good steward of the burden you have placed in my life.

Yours on the Journey,

Harry L. Whitt