In high school, my buddies and I would have weightlifting contests, typically in my parents rec-room. You add a little weight at a time, then you try it. If you can do it, you put on another. And you keep adding weight, and you get to the point where you just can’t keep the weight up, your arms start to shake. It was fun, and got us out from in front of the TV.
Sometimes our lives can be like the barbell. Trying to keep the barbell up. Keeping that bar up isn’t so much fun. Some of us have some big pressures, some heavy weights we’re trying to keep up.
Well, even as kids, when we were goofing around with the weights, we had the sense to know when the pressure gets too much for the poor guy on the bench, we needed a spotter. The biggest guy in the room would stand over you, when you’re struggling with the heaviest weight that you know you might not be able to keep up, and the spotter is there, ready to take the weight for you.
And, that’s the picture the Bible is giving us. When Paul was feeling great pressure, he says that he was forced to call upon God.
“So, let us rely not on ourselves, but on God, who raises the dead.” 2 Corinthians 1:9
“Not a bad idea”, he says, “since this is the God who raises the dead”. There is a power beyond your own that can take the weight, and free you from the burden, and give you peace.
If you’re curious about what this power might be, or if you’ve felt it in your life and want to celebrate it, join us, either in person here at Westmount London or at this Youtube link below. All are welcome, all the time