May 2025

Are your burdens too big?

B. Keith Chapman, President & CEO

Recently, I was reminded of a book called The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan. It is an old Christian allegory first published in the 1600s. The main character of the book is a guy named Christian who goes through life carrying a large burden on his back. The burden is with him from the very beginning of his journey, weighing him physically and emotionally. He is focused on getting rid of the heavy burden but struggles to find a solution. The longer he carries the burden, the more desperate he becomes. This story is representative of each of our journeys through life, with all the challenges and choices we will make along the way.

We all experience challenges, pain, and uncertainty in life. These emotions bring a variety of unpleasant physical and emotional stresses. Left unaddressed, they build up over time, becoming heavy and exhausting. Our initial response is to try to fix it ourselves. When that does not work, we may look to others for help. When that does not work, we try to replace the pain and stress with things that allow us to temporarily forget or at least numb the discomfort. However, the root cause of the issue still exists, and the burden never truly goes away. Our strength will fade away, and a feeling of defeat can set in.

This is exactly what Christian was experiencing in his journey throughout Pilgrim’s Progress. It was not until Christian reached the cross on his journey did he develop an understanding of the sacrifice that Jesus made for our sins. This experience led to forgiveness and salvation through the beginning of a relationship with God. This was symbolized by the burden falling off Christian’s back. The same process of forgiveness, salvation, and freedom is available today for all who choose to have a relationship with Christ Jesus. We all can access a never-ending source of strength that can see us through all of life’s hurdles.

Jeremiah 32:17 (NLT) says, “O Sovereign Lord! You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for you!” Jeremiah is acknowledging God’s unmatched power, especially in the context of his hopeless situation. Jeremiah was reminding himself and others that nothing is beyond God’s ability. In Ephesians 3:20 (NLT), Paul says, “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” It is such a comforting and empowering reminder, especially when we are praying or hoping for something that may feel like it is too big of an issue. Not only is God able, but He is working within us, doing infinitely more than we can even imagine.

In today’s organizations, it is natural for people to pass unresolved or large problems up the chain of command. This occurs for two reasons: first, to help gather the necessary resources and experience to solve the problem, and second, to pass the responsibility of the issue on to someone else. However, we tend to manage things differently with our personal challenges. We all assume we have everything under control until we wake up one day, and we do not. For those with a relationship with God, He is the ultimate authority and resource. Do not let God be your last source of strength. Make sure He is your first choice, and you will avoid carrying the heavy burdens of the past, present, or future you may encounter.

Challenge: Do not pass on the opportunity to experience the forgiveness, salvation, and freedom found in Christ Jesus. Make sure He is your first resource and not your last! Bolster your faith by using Jeremiah’s and Paul’s reminders that no burden is too big for God.

Published: May 1, 2025

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