As a young camp counsellor at Gracefield Christian camp, near Ottawa, Canada, I really enjoyed canoeing. I practised my J-stroke, carefully loaded the flat-bottomed aluminum canoes, and even learned how to right a tipped canoe in deep water. To carry it, I learned how to balance the craft on my thighs and get it up on my shoulders, so as to walk it through the portage trails between lakes when on a canoe trip. The trouble was that I wasn't strong enough to carry the canoe very far by myself! Halfway down the trail, I had to put the canoe down gently, and one of the fellows continued carrying it to the next launch.

There are times when a heavy heart that condemns us with guilt, regret, and bitterness is like carrying a load that is too heavy for us, and we struggle along with it until we are forced to stop.

1 John 3:20-24 – If our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things. Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God. And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. And this is His commandment, that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment. Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us. (NKJV)

When our hearts condemn us, we become confused and discouraged in our Christian faith. What a joy it is to know that when we believe the truth and act accordingly, it shows to Whom we belong! God changes our hearts as we speak, act, and think differently. New growth becomes apparent to ourselves and those around us as we obey Him. Old guilts and regrets and bitterness fall away and stop controlling our thoughts, as we confidently come to God with our requests. Think of how confident the apostles Peter and John were as they spoke to the crowds at Pentecost! Their past failings and guilt had no more power over them to prevent the ministry. We, too, can confidently speak to God, for our belief in His Son, Jesus Christ, leads to an obedient life. Our prayers are unselfish, and we spend more time in prayer because we love Him.

So, how can you lighten the load that you're struggling along with today? Do you feel the confidence of a believer who gives the struggle over to God and accepts the strength that you need and desire? Come to God with a new confidence today, and give Him control of your life. He has given us the Holy Spirit to encourage us and carry the load with us.

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, that You have given Your own life for ours, so that we can bring our requests to You and receive Your answers. Amen.

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About the author:

Shirley Moulton <shirley_moulton@yahoo.ca>
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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