Deadlifting is a weight exercise that trains multiple muscle groups at once. It’s the kind of workout where you’re encouraged to train to failure because that’s where growth happens. In pushing through the resistance, strength is built.

Lately, I’ve felt like I’ve been deadlifting burdens. I’ve done it to the point of failure. I know I’m called to the place I’m serving, but that doesn’t make it easy.

I hear confessions, witness pain, and sit with sin, both the kind done to others and the kind they’ve committed. Yes, Jesus bore the weight of the sin of the world. But we still live with the consequences. Broken hearts. Shattered dreams. Lingering wounds. We pick up and gather the broken pieces which feel heavy, even while yoked to Christ. 

Jesus said His burden is light, but that word “light” is relative. After all, what’s light to the One who bore it all, can still feel crushing to me.

So, I ask myself, am I carrying it the right way while yoked to Jesus?

Maybe what Jesus meant by His “light burden” is what Paul called the momentary light affliction, because it’s producing in us something eternal. A weight of glory.

When I reflect on the weeks, I’ve spent feeling as though I am deadlifting emotional and spiritual burdens, I realize God is using it to strengthen me for what’s next. That doesn’t make it easy. But it reminds me, it’s worth it.

If you know someone in ministry, reach out. They may be lifting more than you know. Your encouragement could help them carry it to Jesus.

As for me? I’m holding on to the promise that glory outweighs grief, and that rest is found in Christ alone. I am not to be deadlifting burdens but remaining yoked to the One who died for them, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

“For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

“Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2