In the Word: Burdened Beyond Our Strength
Welcome to Hope Mommies In the Word devotionals. Over the next several weeks, we will be meditating on 2 Corinthians 1:3-11. As we study the truths found in these verses together, we’d love you to use the comments as a place to dialogue with us about what you are learning and share your answers to the questions below. We pray that you hearts will be encouraged as you dig into God’s Word each week with us!
READ:
My husband and I moved three times during the past year. Even though we hired professionals to move the majority of the household items, there were still plenty of heavy loads we did ourselves. I pride myself on being strong and resourceful, but time and time again, I had to ask for help with a load. I wasn’t strong enough to do it on my own.
The loss of a child is a burden too heavy to carry alone. I know. I tried.
In 2 Corinthians 1, Paul writes about how he and other followers of Christ were burdened beyond their strength. They really believed they would die. In the NLT version it says, “ We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it.” After burying my son nearly 28 years ago, I was crushed and overwhelmed. The burden of loss and grief was too great.
Just like with the loads I had to carry during my moves, time and time again after the death of my son, I reached out to Jesus. He was my strength and guide. He gave me peace and restored my hope. Years later when I found the Hope Mommies group, I was able to link arms with others who were seeking the Lord for their hope and strength.
After Paul writes about his fear of the burden of death, he follows up with “we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God.” Dear Mama, is your burden heavy? Too heavy to carry in your own strength? Do you need to rely more fully on God as your strength?
REFLECT:
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Read Matthew 11:28-30 What does God say about our burdens? Can you picture Him lifting your burden of grief?
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Psalms 28:7 (NLT) The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. Do you see a path to thanksgiving in this verse? What does that look like for you?
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Galatians 6:2 tells us to share one another’s burdens. How can you share your burden with someone? Do you need to ask someone to help you walk the grief journey?
- Shelly
Hope Mom to Zachary Robert
Shelly D. Templin is an author, speaker and blogger that shares a message of hope—with humor. She has three daughters, a son-in-law, and a granddaughter. Shelly lives in Texas with her husband, Jack, of 29 years and their two dogs.
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