Year B, Lent 4, Tuesday

Inspired by 1 Corinthians 10:6-13

“No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone.  God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it.”  1 Corinthians 10:13

Sometimes it may feel as though the weight of the world is on our shoulders, and our steps are being directed by necessity alone.  There is too much we need to do, and not enough hours in the day in which to do it all.  It may feel as though we are trapped, that things will never change, will never get better.  The endless days of stress and turmoil stretch out before us, interminable, oppressive, and we begin to sink into despair.  It feels as though there is no hope.

But there is hope.  God is with us in our struggles, and he has given us options.  None of the choices before us may be easy, but we do have choices, and we can change the direction of our lives.  Everyone has the same twenty-four hours each day; how we choose to use those hours makes the difference.

Much of what traps us has no power inherent in itself; it only has the power we give it.  Turn to God, and then through the lens of his love and grace consider those things which trap you.  What will happen if you let this or that go?  Perhaps a little short-term inconvenience or discomfort, but in the long run it might make the difference between a life well-lived and a life of drudgery.

Whatever the consequences, however deep we may sink into despair, know that God is faithful, and is there with us, waiting to show us the way back to him.  He is the one who said to us, “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”  Let him give you that rest that you need.  Turn to him, and let him show you the way.

Let us pray.  Tender Lord, you know how burdensome this earthly life can be.  Draw us toward you, that we may see the path you have set for us through all the stress and demands of daily living.  Through Christ our Lord, Amen.