I once had a very vivid dream that I was at an airport. Which was not a bad thing – I happen to love airports. But in this dream, I was with some of our children, and we weighed our bags at the check-in.
We were considered overweight, and my luggage was particularly heavy. I had so much weight in my luggage that there was no conceivable possibility I could check my bag in and therefore catch my flight.
I believe God speaks to me in my dreams, and I usually get an understanding of what they mean. I came to the conclusion that God wanted me to be able to go places and soar through life, but if I carry too much weight or baggage, I will not be able to take "flight". It's surprising how heavy a load we can be under without realising it is interfering with God's plan for our lives.
The Bible says, "Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly. Yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary." (Isaiah 40:30-31)
God wants us to be able to "fly" through life unhindered, but we can carry weights not just physically but also in our minds and hearts; our thought life can cloud our clarity, clutter our thinking, and prevent us from hearing and seeing what God wants us to be walking in. We also can carry weight in our emotions as we hold on too tightly to past events, circumstances, unforgiveness, and issues with the people in our world.
The problem with all this weight is we literally can't catch our "flight" and walk in the plan and destiny God has for us. We'll be weighed down by all the cares, responsibilities, and circumstances throughout our day. It's usually why so many people feel mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausted by the end of the week.
We get used to bearing the load of weight, much like when we gain extra kilos and gradually adjust to carrying it around. But this extra weight takes its toll, and we can tire more easily and lose enthusiasm. Long term, this extra weight causes damage to bodies. But if we lose weight, we will discover an excess of energy and zest for life. Why? Because we're no longer carrying that extra 10 -20kg around.
Today I encourage you to think about what weights you may be carrying. Remember, you've probably adjusted your life to bearing the extra weight and may not even notice how heavy the load you have been carrying is until you stop and assess how you are actually feeling.
God will speak if you'll listen, and He knows how damaging excess weight can be. Weights that God never asked us to carry leave little space in our thinking, emotions or spiritual life to attempt new things, hear clearly from God, or embark on exciting adventures.
Take the time to shed some weight today, and rest in the knowledge that Jesus has your life and future in his very capable hands as you do.
"Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you." (1 Peter 5:7)
"Cast your burden upon the LORD, and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken." (Psalm 55:22)
"God is our refuge and strength, a great help in times of distress. Therefore, we will not be frightened when the earth roars, when the mountains shake in the depths of the seas". (Psalm 46:1-2)
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus". (Philippians 4:6-7)
Prayer: Lord, please reveal where I am carrying weights you never asked me to bear. I give you my load and ask that you release fresh vision, ideas, and energy so I don't miss my "flight". In Jesus' name Amen.
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