My son is getting bigger. He is big enough at three years old that he is difficult to carry. We hesitate to ask Grandma and Grandpa to babysit because we worry that he is just too big for them to manage. Liam cannot walk or crawl, so he has to be picked up and carried wherever we go. We have a wheelchair, but it is often faster and easier to carry him (to and from the car, within the house, etc.). Also, Liam is the happiest when he is in our arms. He loves to be held, cuddled, and rocked. He doesn't understand that he is a big boy and it is difficult for us. He just knows that he loves our arms around him.
I have always known that eventually Liam will be too big to carry, but I am not sure when that time will come. I am beginning to experience painful injuries to my own body that are the result of picking him up and carrying him. This transition from being able to carry my son to having to "transfer" him from one adaptive apparatus to another is coming fast, and I am forced to face it because of the failings of my body. My son needs me, and my weak human body cannot continue to help him the way that it has been able.
Whether a Christian or not, almost everyone knows the story of the “Footprints in the Sand.” The story is usually set on a beach. The footprints represent a Christian’s journey through life, and there are usually two sets walking along next to each other. Whenever there are difficulties in the person’s life, though, one set disappears. The Christian asks the Lord, “Why did you always leave me in my time of need?” and the Lord answers, “It was then that I carried you.” The story may have become cliché, but it gives a wonderful picture of how our God works in our lives.
Our heavenly Father does not get sore joints. He doesn't tear tendons or slip discs. He can always pick us up. We are never too heavy; our worries are never too great for him. In Matthew 6:25-27, Jesus says, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?"
Although we know that our God will direct us with his Word and carry us through the difficult times, we constantly try to go our own ways. We sin daily. We often push God away or ignore him and think that our ways are better. Our God does not let that stop his love for us. He chose to send his own Son to bear the punishment for those sins - our sins. Because of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross we will live in Heaven someday. Also, he continues to show love to us here on earth and give us many rich blessings. He continues to carry us through troubles by giving us comfort in his Word and loving friends, families, and church families. He gives us blessings too numerous to list!
That same Heavenly Father who sent Jesus for us and blesses our days also encourages us to turn to him with every worry, concern, or thanksgiving that we have. He wants us to talk to him daily as dear children ask their dear father. In Matthew 11:28, Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." In Phillipians 4:6 we are told, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." There are many, many passages that talk about prayer or show Jesus' example when he was here on earth. God wants us to depend on him. He will hear our prayers and answer.
The ignition of my minivan must have a connection to my daughter's brain and mouth. As soon as the van is fired up, so is she. She can ask questions and have conversation NONSTOP all through the city of Milwaukee and anywhere else that we might go. My mind becomes a numb jumble of a five-year-old's questions. Don't get me wrong, some of her questions are very insightful, but when they are coming at me morning until night, I often become weary and find myself decreeing "No more questions. Mommy is all done."
God's head does not spin or become numb with our prayers. He wants us to pray CONTINUALLY. He always answers our prayers. It is never due to weakness and exhaustion when we seem to have to wait for his answer. It is God's perfect timing. He never decrees that "God is all done with questions today." NEVER. He wants us to come to him with everything, at any time, and with confidence. He does care. He will listen. He always answers.
Back in 1855, Joseph Scriven wrote words that are still true for today’s Christian. God is the same in 1855, in 1955, and today!
What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Ev'rything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Ev'rything to God in prayer!
Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged -
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our ev'ry weakness -
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge -
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake you?
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
In his arms he’ll take and shield you;
You will find a solace there. (CW 411)
Praise be to God for being the perfect Father. Carry us, God!
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