Several years ago I heard a story about a man who got into an elevator in a large hotel.

The elevator was about to leave the lobby when a man rushed up with his suitcases in hand to catch the elevator on its way up. He was a bit flustered from his dash to the elevator, and since he had his hands full (with the suitcases), he asked the other man to press the number for his floor. The elevator started to move, making stops at the various floors. After watching the other man with his suitcases for a minute or two, the first man said: "You know, you don’t have to carry those suitcases to your floor. Just let go off them, set them down and let the elevator carry them for you."

That is an interesting story because it can apply to us, too.

God has not promised us a burden-free life. Sometimes a burden can seem to overwhelm us. How often do we get flustered because we are carrying a burden by ourselves when we don’t need to?

When God calls us to His church, He entrusts us to His son Jesus Christ for our nurturing and care. And Jesus told His disciples: "All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth" (Matthew 28:18).

That authority is at our disposal when we have a burden to carry: "For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:15-16).

The apostle Peter tells us: "Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you" (1 Peter 5:6-7).

The apostle Paul exhorts us: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God" (Philippians 4:6).

What will the result be? "The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (verse 7).

In your walk with God, are you like the man holding his suitcases as the elevator proceeded upwards?

Let go and let God help you carry the weight!

With these thoughts I wish us all a rewarding Sabbath!