Weighed Down

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” - Romans 8:1

I was on my way to meet my friend.  As I topped the hill, I saw something in the road.  I slowed and squinted to take a better look.  It was a little turtle.  He was in the middle of the opposite lane just sitting there with his neck extended looking around.  I stopped the car and backed on to the side of the road.  Just as I got out, a car came over the hill.  I put up my hand and he slowed.  Fortunately, he came to a stop and waited as I ran to pick up the turtle and move him to the safety of the grass.  Just I reached for the turtle he took off.  I had to give a little chase.  They are faster than you think.  I picked him up, all four limbs and head disappeared into the carapace.  I placed him in the soft grass across the road.  By this time there were four cars waiting.  I sheepishly waved and got back in my car and continued on my way. 

 As I drove to my appointment, I thought about that little turtle and how he tucked in when I came to help him.  I thought about how he trusted that shell.  I think that many of us trust our shells. Push our pain, guilt and shame in that shell and carry it around on our backs.  I imagine several of us are lugging around some pretty big shells and those burdens weigh us down.

Jesus wants to free you of the burdens you are carrying.  Romans 8:1 reminds us that because our sins are covered in Christ’s blood we do not suffer condemnation, shame or guilt.  However, in order to have this we must lay down these things and accept the freedom that his blood gives.

Stop carrying weight that is no longer yours to carry.

Typist for Jesus

Permission to Republish by the Author. r: #345 “Weighed Down” www.mustardseeds.blog The Mustard SeedⒸ Written by Melissa Levi.