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Writer's pictureHeather Roberts

A burden shared is a burden halved


Share Burdens

“A burden shared is a burden halved.” T.A. Webb

          I saw stair steps of burden reach high into the air. On each riser, a person lay face down on the step, unable to look around. The first riser was only minor burdens, according to worldly standards, and the top riser was significant and painful burdens. No tormented person could move their heads, nor could they speak.


          “What are we to do it looks so hopeless?”


          “Watch and see.”


          Suddenly the entire landscape shifted. Every stair-step leveled and then re-formed and united they became a hedge of protection, a type of boundary wall. The freed people’s faces shone as they began to talk and walk around.


          “What happened?”


           They surrounded their burdens and right to be upset and began to pray for other people’s burdens. The moment their eyes lifted to Me they were set free.


          “Is it that simple?”


          “If you believe My word is true, then search it out.”


***

“A burden shared is a burden halved.” T. A. Webb

          I agree with T.A. Webb that, “A burden shared is a burden halved.” Not because it was said by man but because it reflects the truth of the Bible.

***


“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16)


          This is such a common verse in my circle of friends I almost failed to meditate on its purpose. This foundational verse is why we need to pray for each other and it should not be overlooked.


I dug deeper:


“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Gal. 6:2, ESV)


          This clearly had significance for what the Lord was trying to show me. This is a command to bear one another’s burdens. It then begs the question what is it to fulfill the law of Christ? Which led to the following scripture.


“If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well.” (James 2:8, ESV)


          When I self-reflect on times I’ve been in trials, I remember my desperate need for other people’s prayers. I needed someone to help me break out of my own faulty thinking. I can become so stuck in my own life I can’t see reality. This is why we need to love our neighbors as ourselves and pray for their specific needs according to how the Lord gives us to pray for them.


Still deeper:


“looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Heb. 12:2, ESV)


          In order to be set free, we must look to Jesus. There is no other way. No other being can give us freedom. He showed us how to walk in freedom. He demonstrated this on the cross when He showed us how to submit to God and serve other people.


“My eyes are ever toward the Lord, for he will pluck my feet out of the net.” (Psalm 25:15, ESV)


          David’s expectancy when he gazes at the Lord is beautiful. I need prayer to bring this reality of expectancy into my life.


          I believe the Word has untold depth and that it’s our privilege to explore. I also believe its simple truth has power.


          Use God’s word and His victory to put your eyes on Christ. Pray for one another and watch your burdens crumble. They may not become extinct but God will reduce them in your eyes. In fact, I’m praying you use them as a stepping stone to what God has for you.


Prayer for you and me: Lord Jesus, continually direct our eyes to You. We do not desire to let our hearts and minds wander. Give us strength to pray for one another so that in doing so we may lay down our own burdens to experience the miracle of another person receiving Your blessing, protection and miracles. Help us desire to seek out Your Word, to devour that Word, and to stand on Your Word. Thank You, Jesus’ Amen.

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