I often find myself carrying many burdens that I was never meant to carry.

Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. -2 Corinthians 3:5-6

When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power. -1 Corinthians 2:1-5

One huge burden I tote around is the weight of producing a miracle.

For my next trick I will convince my non-believing friend to follow Jesus! 

Seriously, though that’s how my mind works at times. IT’S ALL ON ME.

The girls I lead in Bible study – it’s on me to grow them spiritually
My marriage – it’s on me to make it intimate and connected
My family – it’s on me to hold it all together
My ministry – it’s on me to grow it

I start to believe that I’m a Lone Ranger out there gunning it in the Wild West by myself. Not to state the obvious, but being the Lone Ranger is well….lonely. Not to mention totally exhausting and defeating. I feel like I’m working so hard, but not much is happening.

I love this. Let’s read it again.

We have nothing, yet we possess everything.

We have nothing to offer apart from God, but WITH him we have everything to offer.

He is with us, behind us, before us, in us…and we are not able, nor have we been asked to do it without him.

He’s responsible for the miraculous part. We just need to show up. Not a bad gig for us, considering we get the best seat in the house to witness the miracle.

In other words, we get to plant the seed, but God makes it grow. (1 Cor. 3:7)

Prayer: Lord, thank you that my competence comes from you. Thank you that you have equipped me to do every good work you intended. Thank you that you know me, and that your burden is light. I am afraid. I am afraid that I am not doing enough, not saying the right things. I give these people on my heart to you. I give you: (name three people that are on your heart). I give these burdens to you. Please help me hear your voice and know what burdens are mine and what are not. Amen.