The prophet Isaiah brings this out in the 46th chapter of his book. He writes, “Bel bows down, Nebo stoops low; their idols are borne by beasts of burden. The images that are carried about are burdensome, a burden for the weary. They stoop and bow down together; unable to rescue the burden, they themselves go off into captivity” (46:1-2 NIV).

Bel was the Babylonian form of Baal & Nebo was the god of learning. But here’s the point – these people believed these false gods were real. They believed in them & had given their lives in service to them, but these gods could not deliver & protect their followers from being conquered by Cyrus or even protect the idols that were made to represent them. And so here are these people who have believed & followed these gods, & yet they are having to carry them as they succumb to slavery. They have become a burden, literally a heavy burden as they have to carry or haul them around with them. The people had to work for them; they had to work to carry them off into captivity so they could still worship them.
It is just the opposite of Christianity’s God. He is the one who constantly bears & carries us. And because this is true about our God, it helps us understand some of the things that happen to us in this life. For you see, 1 of the reasons why God, who is sovereign over everything, including everything that touches you & your life & your family’s life, one of the reasons this sovereign God allows difficult things to invade your life is to prove His total faithfulness in being that great burden carrier/bearer for you. If you never had any burdens, if everything always went smoothly for you because you were a child of the King, then you would never know God as the significant burden carrier, would you? And so it is not out of a lack of love or power that God allows these things to touch your lives, but it is so you can come to know & experience Him in deeper & fuller ways as you experience Him as your great burden carrier.

And this is not a lesson you learn 1 time through 1 experience & then you pass the exam & never have to learn & experience it again. No, you have to come back to it again & again & again. At least, that has been my experience. And as you do, you discover to your wonder & joy that He is a faithful burden carrier, a versatile burden carrier, for no burden is too extreme or unique for Him to carry. And He is a constant burden carrier. I take that from a verse in the Psalms that I am so grateful for, 1 that I have relied on many times & have shared it on many occasions w/ ones facing a burden. It is Psalm 68:19 NASB – “Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden.” Aren’t you glad for that? Are you happy that He bears you & your burdens instead of, like in Isaiah 46, you having to bear Him?

Now, as we think about this theme—God, our great burden carrier—let me share with you five ways God does this—five ways He is our great burden carrier.

1. God Has Carried Our Sins!

The greatest burden we have is our sin & the reason why it is our greatest burden is 2-fold:

1. Because sin ruins our life & those we love.

2. Because it condemns us to eternal damnation.
Sin ruins lives. It destroys marriages. It breaks up families. It abuses children. It enslaves individuals. It wastes a person’s potential. It would be horrible enough if it only affected the person choosing to sin, but like an epidemic – it spreads out & affects a host of others, even future generations. It is our most tremendous burden because it ruins lives.

It is also our most significant burden because it condemns us to eternal damnation. There is a holy God who will not allow sin in His presence. There will be a judgment, as the Bible declares in Hebrews 9:27 – “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” Ecclesiastes 12:14 takes it even further – “For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.” So, there will be a judgment. And there is a literal hell where every single person will be sentenced too if they do not have a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ that evidences itself in a transformed life. This is not a popular message today, but it is the truth.
But the Good News is that God, our great burden carrier, has dealt with our most tremendous burden.
In his Systematic Theology book, Wayne Grudem states, “When we appreciate that ‘…God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to pits of darkness, reserved for judgment (2 Peter 2:4); then we realize that God could have also chosen to save no one, just as he did with the sinful angels.”

God did not have to send Jesus. He would have been perfectly, perfectly just in judging us. Yet, He said, “Yes, I will save them,” and therefore sent Jesus to die in our place. Now, today, you have the offer of salvation before you.
And so, in light of this, to use 1 of Paul’s expressions found in Romans, if He bore this most tremendous burden, how much more can we count on Him to carry all our lesser burdens?
So God is our great burden carrier & we see that #1 in that God has carried our sins.
Feel that we have no strength and are in danger of being crushed by what is laid upon us, we may go and cast all upon the Lord; that, we may look to Him for grace and strength, and feel assured that He will enable us to sustain all that is laid upon us. The relief in the case will be as real and as full of consolation as if He took the burden and bore it Himself. He will enable us to bear what we supposed we could never have done easily.”

What worries does God aim to take from our backs & carry for us? Every kind! All of them!

When George Muller was asked how he could be so calm in the middle of a hectic day w/ so many uncertainties in the orphanage, he answered something like, “I rolled 60 things onto the Lord this morning in prayer.” When Hudson Taylor was told about the missionaries in his charge being in trouble, he was heard soon afterwards whistling his favourite hymn, “Jesus, I Am Resting, Resting in the Joy of What Thou Art.”

The reason why we can do this with confidence is because He cares for us. If He cares for a single sparrow when it falls to the ground – a sparrow with no eternal spirit, a sparrow whom He did not die for – what does that imply about His care & concern for you?

Sometimes, when we are in the midst of anxious situations, we simply need to stop and state the truth to ourselves. If He cares for the birds of the air and the grass of the field, are you not worth much more than these? He is only their Creator, but He is your Father and Savior.

As our excellent burden carrier, He will carry our anxieties, but you must cast them and place them upon Him.
3. God Pledges to Carry Our Burdens!

Psalm 55:22 – Cast your burdens on the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never permit the righteous to be shaken.”

The word for “burden” here is “lot” or “that which is given”. What is your lot in life today? What has providence brought you? In the end, this is of the Lord. And He will carry it for you. It is not meant to crush you or carry you away. It is intended to test your trust & dependence on God to carry it for you.
4. God Pledges to Carry the Cause of Justice for Us!

? 1 Peter 2:23 – …and while being reviled, He [Jesus] did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously.

You will experience injustice many, many times throughout your life, whether in business or at work, in a relationship or friendship, in some legal procedure, or in a host of other ways. It is going to happen.

I get so weary of hearing, “It’s not fair!” Of course, it’s not fair. We live in a fallen, sinful world full of sinners. Life’s not going to be fair.

It wasn’t fair to Jesus, the only perfect person to ever live. If it wasn’t fair to him, how can you expect it to always be fair for you? Injustice happens. I wouldn’t say I like it, but I’m not surprised when it comes.

The question is: What are you going to do about it? Are you going to complain and bemoan it? Are you going to become resentful, bitter, and angry? What are you going to do, or better yet, what should you do?

Answer: You follow the example of Jesus when he faced unjust situations, with the cross being the biggest injustice in history.

And what did Jesus do? He kept entrusting himself & his situation into the Father’s hands.

Entrusting – “to hand over for someone to keep.”

Jesus handled the wrongs done to Him by repeatedly handing them over to the Father to keep and deal with. He kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously. And He will deal with it—either now or in the life to come. And just so you know, nothing escapes His notice. God misses nothing.
Romans 12:19 says, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay saith the Lord.” God will manage our cause. Leave it to Him. Prepare to be treated unjustly, whether someone breaking in front of you in line or bearing false witness against or whatever. But entrust it to Him & allow Him to carry out His justice in His way in His time. He wants to carry the cause of justice for you instead of you working so hard by yourself to see that it is carried out.

5. God Pledges to Carry You – All Your Life!

This brings us back to the passage we started with. Before we read vv.1-2; let’s now read vv.3-4…

? Isaiah 46:3-4 – Listen to Me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, you who have been borne by Me from birth and have been carried from the womb; even to your old age I will be the same, and even to your greying years I will bear you! I have done it, and I will carry you; and I will bear you and I will deliver you.

Please take notice of the personal pronoun “I” and how many times it is used. He says “I” six times to emphasize His personal involvement in their lives.

He will carry you all your life – from birth to death. The Christian life, if understood & appropriately lived, is a life of being taken from beginning to end. And I’m sure I could go around to all of you 80 & above & that would be your testimony. I know it is for my parents, who turn 85 this year. He is the great burden carrier all through your life, to that moment when you take your last breath & even then, He is the One who carries you, carries you His home & into His joy.
So, in conclusion, come to Him, all who labour & are heavily laden, & He will give us rest. He will carry us through, for He is the great burden carrier.

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The importance of focus in our journey of faith cannot be overstated. Through unwavering focus, we can grasp the promises and blessings that God has in store for us. Today, we will explore the scriptural wisdom that illuminates the path to staying focused amidst the storms of life.

Scripture reveals the insidious nature of distraction as a tool of the enemy to hinder our progress and derail our divine purpose. In Matthew 14:28-36, we see how Peter’s momentary lapse in focus caused him to falter even while walking on water toward Jesus. This is a stark reminder that we must keep our focus steadfastly on Christ to receive His blessings.

Additionally, Luke 9:62 urges us to follow Christ without looking back. To be fit for the kingdom of God, we must pursue Him wholeheartedly, leaving behind all distractions and hindrances that seek to lead us astray.

We can draw inspiration from the life of Elisha, as described in 2 Kings 2:1-15. Despite facing numerous distractions from the sons of the prophets and even his mentor Elijah, Elisha remained resolute in pursuing a double anointing. His unwavering focus led to fulfilling his desire and earned him respect and honour from those who had once mocked him.

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*1. Strengthening Our Relationship with God*
Quiet time allows us to cultivate a personal relationship with God. As we build relationships through communication, we grow closer to Him through prayer and listening.

“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” — James 4:8 (ESV)

*2. Renewal and Restoration*
In our busy lives, it’s easy to become weary. Spending quiet time in the presence of God provides renewal and peace.

“Come to me, all who labour and are heavily laden, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28 (ESV)

*3. Gaining Wisdom and Guidance*
Quiet reflection and meditation on God’s Word help us seek His wisdom and guidance.

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” — Psalm 32:8 (ESV)

*4. Developing Spiritual Discernment*
Time spent in silence helps us discern His voice from the world’s noise, allowing us to understand His will for our lives more clearly.“Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10 (ESV)

*5. Fostering Gratitude and Worship*
Quiet time is an opportunity to express our gratitude and worship, deepening our understanding of His love and grace.

“In everything, give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NKJV)

Incorporating quiet time into our daily routine can be transformative. It strengthens our faith, provides clarity, and fosters a deeper connection with our Creator. As we intentionally set aside time to be still and listen, we open ourselves to the incredible power of God’s presence in our lives.

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Biblical Examples of Divine Recovery:

1. Job (Job 42:10): Job’s story illustrates how God restored his fortunes twofold after a time of suffering and loss.
2. The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32): The parable showcases God’s willingness to welcome repentant sinners back into His loving embrace, offering a chance for restoration.
3. David (2 Samuel 12:13-14): Despite David’s grave sin, God granted him forgiveness and enabled him to rebuild his life.

How Believers Should Work Spiritually to Recover:

1. Repentance and Confession: Acknowledge any wrongdoing or straying from God’s path and seek forgiveness through sincere repentance and confession (1 John 1:9).
2. Faith and Trust: Trust in God’s promises and have faith that He can restore what has been lost (Hebrews 11:6).
3. Prayer and Seeking God: Pray earnestly for guidance, strength, and restoration, seeking God’s will in the process (Jeremiah 29:12-13).
4. Reading and Applying God’s Word: Delve into the Scriptures for wisdom, comfort, and direction in the journey toward recovery (Psalm 119:105).

Areas to Recover and Identify:

1. Spiritual Vitality: Rekindle one’s passion for God and spiritual disciplines that may have waned over time.
2. Lost Relationships: Seek reconciliation and healing in broken relationships, fostering forgiveness and love.
3. Health and Well-being: Pray for physical and emotional healing, trusting in God’s restorative power.
4. Material Blessings: Trust God for the provision and seek His guidance in regaining financial stability or lost possessions.
5. Time and Opportunities: Redeem wasted time by committing to a purposeful, God-centered life moving forward (Ephesians 5:15-16).In conclusion, divine recovery in the Christian faith signifies God’s mercy, grace, and sovereignty in restoring His children from various forms of loss and brokenness. Believers are called to actively participate in this process through faith, prayer, repentance, and a willingness to submit to God’s transformative work. God’s promise of restoration remains a beacon of hope for all who have experienced loss, reminding them that nothing is beyond His power to redeem.

The Role of Faith in Seeking Divine Recovery in Christian Teachings:

Faith is a foundational aspect of seeking divine recovery in Christian teachings. It is through faith that believers trust in God’s promises, power, and sovereignty to bring about restoration in their lives. Here are some key roles that faith plays in the process of seeking divine recovery:

1. Believing in God’s Power: Faith involves trusting in the limitless power of God to intervene in situations that seem impossible or hopeless. By having faith, believers acknowledge that God is able to bring about healing, restoration, and redemption in all areas of their lives.
2. Confidence in God’s Promises: Faith is rooted in the belief that God is faithful to His promises as outlined in the Bible. When seeking divine recovery, believers hold onto these promises with unwavering confidence, knowing that God’s word is true and trustworthy.
3. Acting on Belief: Faith is not merely a passive belief but an active response to God’s invitation to seek Him for restoration. Believers demonstrate their faith by taking steps of obedience, prayer, and trust in God’s leading as they journey towards recovery.
4. Perseverance in Trials: Faith serves as a source of strength and endurance during times of adversity or setbacks. Believers rely on their faith to sustain them through challenges, trusting that God is working all things together for their good (Romans 8:28).
5. Receiving Healing and Restoration: According to Christian teachings, it is through faith that individuals receive healing and restoration from God. Jesus often commended people for their faith when they sought healing, emphasizing the connection between faith and divine intervention.
6. Transformed Perspective: Faith enables believers to view their circumstances through the lens of God’s promise and purpose. It helps them see beyond present difficulties to the hope and future that God has in store for them.

In summary, according to Christian teachings, faith is a central component in seeking divine recovery. It empowers believers to trust in God’s power, cling to His promises, act in obedience, persevere through trials, receive healing, and embrace a transformed perspective on their journey towards restoration.

There are several notable testimonies in the Bible of individuals who experienced divine recovery and restoration after facing various challenges or losses. Here are a few examples:

1. Job: Job is a well-known biblical figure who faced extreme suffering and loss, including the loss of his wealth, health, and family. Despite his trials, Job maintained his faith in God and eventually experienced divine restoration. In the end, God restored Job’s fortunes twofold and blessed him with a new family.
2. Joseph: Joseph, the son of Jacob, endured betrayal by his brothers, slavery, and imprisonment in Egypt. However, through a series of providential events orchestrated by God, Joseph was ultimately elevated to a position of power and authority in Egypt. He was able to reconcile with his family and provide for them during a severe famine, leading to the restoration of his family relationships.
3. The Prodigal Son: The parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-32 tells the story of a young man who squandered his inheritance and found himself in desperate circumstances. Upon realizing his mistakes, he humbly returned to his father, seeking forgiveness. His father welcomed him back with open arms and restored him to his former position in the family, symbolizing the theme of repentance and restoration in the face of loss.
4. Israelites in Exile: The Israelites experienced exile and displacement multiple times throughout their history due to disobedience and conquest. However, God repeatedly promised restoration and deliverance to His people. One notable example is the return of the Israelites from Babylonian captivity, as prophesied by Jeremiah and fulfilled through Cyrus the Great, where the people were able to return to their homeland and rebuild the temple.

These testimonies from the Bible illustrate the themes of faith, perseverance, repentance, and divine intervention leading to restoration and recovery in the lives of individuals and communities. They serve as powerful reminders of God’s faithfulness and compassion towards those who seek Him in times of trial and loss.

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These words bring hope and encouragement in a world often consumed by darkness, despair, and uncertainty. They invite us to rise above our challenges, conquer our fears, and embrace the truth that God has chosen each of us for a unique purpose. Just as the sun rises every morning, we are called to rise and shine, illuminating the lives of those around us.

To truly understand the significance of “Arise and Shine,” let’s explore its deeper meaning. Arising signifies a call to action, to move beyond our comfort zones and complacency. It requires us to leave behind our limitations, doubts, and insecurities and step into the fullness of who God created us to be. Doing so makes us catalysts for positive change and transformation in our lives and communities.

As we arise, the second part of the message compels us to shine. Shining represents the radiance of God’s love, grace, and truth flowing through us. It is an invitation to showcase the qualities that reflect God’s character—compassion, forgiveness, humility, and integrity. When we allow His light to shine through us, we become beacons of hope, guiding lost souls towards salvation and peace.

However, it’s crucial to remember that our ability to arise and shine is not solely based on our strength. We must rely on the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to fulfil our divine purpose. In yielding ourselves to God’s will and surrendering to His guidance, we tap into an unstoppable source of strength, wisdom, and courage.

In our daily lives, “Arise and Shine” may manifest in various ways. Perhaps it involves faith to share the Gospel with a friend or stranger. It might mean showing kindness to someone who is hurting or in need. Maybe it calls us to use our talents and skills to impact society positively. No matter how small, every act can contribute to God’s more excellent plan for each of us.

So, my dear friends, let us embrace the call to “Arise and shine” with zeal and enthusiasm. May we be bold in our faith and passionate in our pursuit of righteousness? Let us allow God’s love to permeate our hearts, minds, and actions as we extend His grace to all we encounter.

Remember, this journey of arising and shining is not meant to be travelled alone. We are a community of believers, united in purpose and love, supporting one another. Together, we can profoundly impact the world and bring glory to God’s name.

Therefore, go forth from this place, inspired and empowered by the message “Arise and shine.” Live your life as a testimony of God’s love, hope, and redemption. Illuminate the darkness with the light of Christ within you. Arise and shine, for the world awaits your radiant witness!

May God bless you abundantly as you embark on this transformative journey. Amen.

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