Burdens

Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. Col 4:12 (ESV)


At some point, you feel like you finally got it all together. You are striving to be what He wants you to be, and you are finally doing what is right. Then there is a burden that is put on you. A sense of heaviness. You can't really be completely happy; you feel like something isn't quite right.


Don't give the enemy credit. This is a spiritual burden from God. He has found you righteous enough to place a spiritual burden for someone else on you. It might be someone you know, or it might be someone you don't know. You'll know this is a spiritual burden, because after prayer, it is lifted from you. But, prayer is the only way to relieve this burden.


Colossians refers to "Epaphras," who was a servant of Christ always struggling on the behalf of other believers in his prayers.


Always struggling...it's a constant battle. If you feel this burden, you have to fight. It's your calling to fight on your knees for others. Ephesians talks about how you must pray at all times...making supplication (asking or begging for something earnestly or humbly) for the saints:


Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, Ephesians 6:18 (ESV)


You can ignore the burden, go on blaming the enemy, or just whisper a little prayer, but if you get on your knees and block out the rest of the world and really intercede for that burden you feel, you can move mountains! (Matthew 21:21-22)


You never know who that person is. It might be your mother, your best friend, your brother, or even your future spouse! So fight! Fight with all your might and never give up! God's doing things you can't see, and He's allowing you to be part of the process!