Lighten the Load (Thought-Provoking Thursday)
Photo Credit: Damien Moorhouse, via SXC
Tonight at the midweek service, the sermon was about storms. At one point, we turned in our Bibles to Acts 27 where Paul is on a ship that is in peril. The waves are threatening to thrash the boat into the rocks, so some of the sailors try to jump into a lifeboat to escape to safety. Paul warns the seamen that if they abandon ship all will be lost. So, they lighten the load and cut the lifeboats loose.
This really defies all reason, right? I would be the first one in the lifeboat. Get me off of the ship and on to dry land.
But the fact is that God had promised Paul that He would make it to Rome. He didn’t say it would be on a smooth ocean though.
I’ve been thinking about those lifeboats all night long. I’ve been thinking about how I try to escape the storm on vessels manned by self-sufficiency.
I need to lighten the load.
How about you?
Lyli, you have given much food for thought here. What hit me is not only to give up our self-sufficiency but to believe & trust in God’s promises as well. God had promised Paul that he would make it to safety & so Paul relied on God’s promise. May I do the same in the midst of the storm. Thank you for such a wonderful reminder this morning. Blessings!
Yeah, Joanne. This entire sermon last night was very powerful. Paul was so confident in God’s care that he was sleeping on the boat. I’d be siting on the edge of my bunk with my life vest on wringing my hands in worry.
Lord, help my unbelief.
mmm … oh to have faith like that. I’d be freaking out to see the lifeboats cut loose. And Jesus beckoning his disciple to step out and walk on the water? Another faith-stretcher there.
More faith in Him. Less faith in my own need to control the situation …
I wish I could just turn off the fear. If only there were a switch somewhere that I could flip.. 🙂
I am thankful that God is patient with me — weak that I am.
Good thoughts. I’d be headed for the lifeboat, myself, trying to get it all figured out on my own. It’s so easy for me to forget God’s promises.
It’s hard to see Him sometimes when the waves are crashing in. I need to tell myself to “look up.”
I still cling hard to my lifeboat of self-sufficiency too often. Praying to lighten the load too and trust the promise to make it to where he’s leading me! Thanks, Lyli.
It’s hard when you are getting thrashed about, but I have to trust that He is with me and won’t let me crash.
Blessings, Lyli! Joy to you with much thanks for this reminder that He promises us to get us to where we’re going – but it may not be smooth sailing all the way. There are storms and blue skies – shadows and light – that make up life and masterpieces paintings. Contemplating on these artistic thoughts as I am currently working on my next book exploring such topics. Taking joy along the way!
Oh – DO link up with my new linky – launched this week to celebrate my three formative years in Blogland! It’s a monthly link – at the outset. I want it to be a hub of bloggers best works of the month in inspiration and devotions!
Joy!
Kathy
Congratulations on the book, Kathryn. How exciting! 🙂
Oh, Lyli,
This is great…I think about those lifeboats of self-sufficiency often and how I know they won’t hold me and God reminds me to look at Him, and not at my fears about how inadequate I am…I ask God to show me where I need to lighten up today…Thanks 🙂
It’s silly of me to think I will be safe on my own. I pray that God helps me to trust that He is at the helm, and all will be well.
You’ve got me thinking here – what I need to do to lighten the load! I’m going to turn that over for a few days! Wishing you blessing this week, Lyli!
It was a great sermon, Mary Leigh. Lots to chew on. My husband and I talked about it again last night.
I’m with you Lyli! I would be finding a way out, lol. But God….He is so patient and always knows what is best. If we follow His leading, He will keep us through the storms!
I am thankful that He is patient (and all-powerful). 🙂
I loved this thought! Sometimes I carry so much spiritual baggage around with me…it is no wonder I become overwhelmed! Laying aside the weights and the besetting sins would surely do a world of good and definitely lighten the load! Thanks so much for the link-up and for your obedience to God’s voice. You are a blessing!
I love that verse in Matthew where he invites the weary and heavy laden to come to Him — it reminds me that His will for me is never burdensome.
Such a short and powerful thought! I have never considered that before…cutting the lifeboats in the MIDDLE of a storm!? Does defy reason, doesn’t it! I want to stay aboard God’s ship also friend, and not depend on my lifeboats or reason and self-sufficiency. So convicted by this thought today! Thanks Lyli!
Me, too. I am realizing that I will never experience His peace if I keep striving.
Wonderful post. So much that is not sin can weigh us down. May we lighten the load & trust in Him alone. Thanks for hosting & God bless!
True. I pray that God gives me discernment about this.
What a neat image – lighten the load. I think i need to journal about that phrase, it is calling me. Thanks for the retweet today too.
I do love my journal, Jean. We are kindred spirits in that department.
Oh yes, I get in my own way all the time. If only I could remain in submission to His will at all times life would be smooth sailing.
I’d definitely experience less anxiety when I see the waves.
Good thoughts, Lyli! Pondering God’s word, His lessons to us is always a productive and blessed adventure!
Yes, June. Thanks for stopping by! Hope you have a great weekend. 🙂