There is a scripture in the Bible that says, “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2) I would like to share an experience that allowed me to have an understanding of these words in a powerful, and very personal way. As many of you know, my family has gone through a difficult time over the last couple of years, which has led to some pretty low moments for us. Due to circumstances beyond his control my husband was forced to leave a job he loved, and our family was left without any source of income. He was the sole provider for us, and everything we had depended on for our needs was now suddenly gone. That alone was cause for great stress; but the circumstances surrounding this situation were also extremely difficult to bear. There were feelings of betrayal, fear, frustration, and shock…to name just a few, and they often hit with a vengeance. Thankfully, God pulled us through those dark days, and I believe our family is stronger as a result of this experience, but we didn’t always feel so strong.
Early on in this situation, when we were still reeling from this blow that we did not see coming, it was especially difficult for my husband. One day I was alone in my room praying… crying out to God, asking Him to help Aadam. I knew how weak he felt, and he needed strength. As I was praying, I had an image come to my mind, and I could see him on his knees with his head bowed low. Then I saw him being surrounded by people that I knew; people from our local in Phoenix, and other places as well. Each one of these people was holding a shield and covering him, protecting him from those fiery darts. I knew it was the prayers and support of each one of them lifting him up when he needed it most. When he wasn’t strong enough in that moment, they were. I knew they were helping to carry this burden of ours that had become so hard to bear, and I was immediately filled with love and gratitude.
We have been continually surrounded by the love and support of our church family. We can never fully express our gratitude to each one who has been there for us. I know without a doubt, God manifested His love for us through the love of our brothers and sisters, and I now have a whole new appreciation for the idea of bearing each other’s burdens. It convicts me even more to do the same for someone else when I see a need; because we have had so many walking beside us, taking up their small corner of the load so it did not crush us.
I hope if there is anyone reading this who is bearing a burden alone, that you do it no longer. Humbly take advantage of the support system surrounding you. There are so many who would help if they only knew you needed it. Right away, we knew we could never handle our situation alone. We reached out to our church family asking for prayers, and they answered the call. If we hadn’t let people know what was going on, let them know the burden we were bearing, I would not have had the beautiful experience I was able to share with you. No one could have helped to carry our burden if they hadn’t known what it was. On the flip side, if you aren’t the one feeling weak right now (and even if you ARE, because God can use us even when we feel the least capable), look for those who may benefit from your encouragement, your prayers, your love. Even something as small as a hug, or stopping by with a cup of coffee can mean so much. You do not need to be a minister, a pastor’s wife, an adult, or even the most spiritually strong individual to be able to lighten someone else’s load…
I thank God for instantly answering my prayers that day, and for showing me the power of the love of my support system. I hope the memory of it stays with me always. My prayer is that we will all continue to help bear one another’s burdens, and I thank you for helping to bear mine.
