Friday, October 11, 2013

Passing though the open door

You may be wondering where I came up with such an strange title for my post.  Well, let me explain. This morning, while doing my Bible reading, I came across a verse that I have read many times before yet today it really struck me and I cant seem to get the thought out of my head.

"Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee: for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to preform it thyself alone."

How discouraging that verse would be if I would not have continued reading.  How often do we feel this way...completely and totally overwhelmed, stressed, walking about as if the weight of the world were resting upon our shoulders.. However the passage goes on..

"...God shall be with thee..."

I simply stopped for a moment and meditated upon that little phrase. As I was meditating I recalled a memory I have long forgotten about.

No doubt, we ladies have had the door opened for us by many gentlemen in our life time.  Well, I suppose I have a twisted way of looking at things sometimes.  And I remember in high school often purposely going through another door if I saw a young man holding the door for a crowd of ladies. Why you may ask...Well, you see, in my perspective I looked at that poor young man with pity.  Here he was, standing, holding the door for a swarm of girls who passed right through many times without a look of gratitude.  In my mind, I thought I was being thoughtful by kindly going to the next door and opening it for myself.  I went about this practice for several years, in my mind thinking I was being thoughtful and considerate to all the young men who would never have to worry about opening the door for me.  Until one day, a gentleman opened the door for me and I, in my thoughtfulness, went to the other door, opened it and passed through... He called my name and said, "Brooke, you know every time you open the door for yourself I feel like it is a slap in my face.  Why is it that you insist on opening your own door when someone is standing right in front of you wanting and willing to help you."  I tried to explain that I was being thoughtful. My explanation didn't go far..he simply shook his head and told me, "Brooke, let people help you."
Today as I read this passage in the Scripture I felt God tell me those same words, "Brooke, let Me help you.  Sometimes I look around at people who have problems much greater than mine.  I see so many people cast their burdens, their worries, and their cares upon Jesus.  In my mind, I see Jesus with so many people's burdens.  So I think..I don't want to burden my Savior with another load; I will take care of this one myself.  On I go through life struggling, stressing, and seemingly making no progress. At times wondering if I am able to take one more step...and then He reminds me...I'm here..holding the door open ,so to say..why keep going through life opening your own doors?
Today I resolve to simply do my best to give my burdens to God.   My load may appear light to most, but to me..it is heavy. I can't carry it on my own.  Every time I try, I find myself down discouraged and defeated.  But..my Savior is with me and telling me.."Brooke let me help you"

8 comments:

  1. Brooke,
    That's an excellent post!! Definitely something to think about and apply! Thanks for sharing :)
    ~Sarah

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  2. Oh man! totally hit home for me. I didn't use to let people open doors because I was way too proud...proving to the world I am superwoman and didn't need help. I still am this way, but having children has humbled me...because I desperately need the help. It is still hard for me to accept others help. Pride is such a sin struggle for me.

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  3. Wow! This a beautiful post and it certainly is an encouragement to me right now! Thank you for sharing, Brooke!

    Madison
    just. plain. Madness.

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  4. Brooke, This was just what I needed. To let go, and let God...
    Thanks, mom xoxo

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  5. Well written. I might just use this sometime in our church newsletter... with your permission, of course.

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  6. This spoke to me so much! Thank you for posting!

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  7. This reminds me of a book I read recently. The Burden Bearer by Paul Chappell. If you get a chance, it's well worth the read. Pride is such a big part of many of our lives, isn't it? Letting go is at times hard, but well worth it in the end!

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