Heavy Lifted
I had a critter on my windshield the other day. It was a wasp, and at first glance, appeared in position to strike. I reached back to smack it and only felt glass. The wasp sat stoically in place, on the other side of the windshield. I started the car and pulled away. The wasp remained. I pulled onto the street and drove a solid mile before my companion departed.
God speaks through simple things. As I stared at the wasp, God reminded me that He’s willing to do the heavy lifting. The wasp wasn’t totally passive in the endeavor. It was clinging to the windshield. But why flap your wings in fury when you can hold on and enjoy the ride? I pondered the wasp, but it was God making the point.
Apart from laundry, I never get accused of inactivity. I enjoy action and accomplishment. Even if it’s unclear what is being accomplished, at least there is movement. Pushing the pause button is the hardest thing in life for me to do. That’s a bold statement but it’s true.
The Apostle Peter is the biblical personality that I resonate with most. He’s always blazing ahead, speaking out loud, and eating crow. Or roster! He likes action and doesn’t mind a little mess as he moves. But that’s not his full depiction. It was a slow process, but Peter eventually learned to let God do the heavy lifting.
The letters that Peter records in the mid 60’s A.D. are fun to read with the Peter of the gospels in mind. He’s still leading. He’s still verbose. Peter isn’t sitting around, but he’s learned to let God do the heavy lifting.
Is this the same Peter?
6Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you at the proper time, 7casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:6-7
Is this the same Peter? Yes, he’s just discovered that strength is in getting low so that God can do the lifting!
The Monday that God spoke to me through the wasp I woke up overwhelmed. The weight of responsibility tried to pull me in like metal on a magnet. I refused to let the circumstances dictate my decision and I made the wise choice to lead myself well. I don’t always get this right, but this time I did.
As I headed to work a wasp reminded me that God is accessible through humility. When we depend on the mighty hand of God, He exalts us in due time.
Our lives aren’t intended to be anxious and overwhelmed. We have access to unlimited strength. When I get anxious, chances are I haven’t surrendered “it” to the Lord. Anxiousness is a slow build then suddenly I realize I’m overwhelmed. That’s not the only option. Peter reminds us there is strength in humility. I need help, Lord. Talk about four words that can impact any situation!
Feeling overwhelmed? Pause. Take a deep breath. Remember that the heavy lifting isn’t on us. God’s mighty hand will exalt us in due time.