Handling Your Baggage

Handling Your Baggage, submitted by Rev. Valerie Pearson
“The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you.” Then Saul dressed David in his own tunic. He put a coat of armor on him and a bronze helmet on his head. David fastened on his sword over the tunic and tried walking around, because he was not used to them. “I cannot go in these, “he said to Saul, “because I am not used to them.” So he took them off. 1 Samuel 17:37-39


HANDLING YOUR BAGGAGE

Traveling is one of the most exciting things that we can do. Even now, as we watch the snow falling during the winter months, many of us have thoughts of our spring or summer travels. There are many great things about traveling. We look forward to enjoying the breathtaking scenery, new restaurants and a superb five-star hotel. But along with all the good things, as always, there are some “not so good” things that go along with traveling. One of the bothersome things about traveling is the “baggage.” The suitcases and the garment bags and the duffel bags and the make-up bags and, oh yes, we can’t forget the laptop computer – it’s a lot to handle. Now in an attempt to make the task of handling your baggage easier we all search to find that perfect state of equilibrium in carrying your baggage from point A to point B. We try this bag on the shoulder, another bag in the right hand and yet another clutched in our fingers. And as difficult as it may seem, we are managing the load, even though it is heavy. As you are moving toward point B, though weighed down, but none the less moving, your traveling companion will ask you the “question,” - “Can you hold this for me?” You ponder for a few seconds and say, “Sure, I can take it”, knowing that you can not handle their baggage along with your own.

Life sometimes has a way of making us realize that we cannot take on other people’s baggage. If the truth is told we all have enough of our own baggage to carry and handle and balance without taking on the baggage of someone else. There are times when God will direct us to lighten the load of others and it is awesome to be able to bless others. But there are also times when God would not have us to take on someone else’s baggage because it will only be a hindrance to where we are in our spiritual walk with Him.

Before David went to fight Goliath the Philistine, he was suited in Saul’s armor. David tried walking around in someone else’s armor but he could not do it. David states in 1 Samuel 17:39b, “I cannot go in these,” he said to Saul, “because I am not used to them.” So he took them off. David could not fight Goliath in Saul’s armor – it was too much for him. God had given David all that he needed: five smooth stones, his pouch and a sling. David needed no extra baggage.

Life gives each of us our own baggage. Little by little God will help us to unpack our bags and then allow us to put away that suitcase. Some baggage God does not want us to have at this point in our walk with Him. He wants us to look to Him in handling our own baggage. At the airport baggage claim area, you’ll see luggage going around and around the baggage carousel. Travelers carefully read the name tags on the bags before they remove them from the carousel being sure to carry only what belongs to them. God will give you all that you need to handle your own bags. Even with a heavy load He will bless you and keep you and He will guide you and be with you in unfamiliar places. Even with a heavy load He will turn darkness into light and He will make the rough places smooth. We serve an awesome God!

Reflection of the week- Our Journey Has Begun

Our Journey Has Begun, submitted by Sister Joyce Anderson

With excitement, anticipation, expectation, faith, hope and some fear, we are embarking on a new journey.

Just like the story in the 14th chapter of Matthew beginning at verse 22, as Jesus “constrained” his disciples to get into a ship to go before him to the other side, we have been led by God to take this journey.

Along the way, we may be tossed by waves and contrary winds, but we know that the Holy Spirit will guide us into all truth and will reveal to us the things we must know to continue the journey. In verse 27 Jesus said, “Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.”

Just as Jesus told Peter to get out of the boat, to get out of his comfort zone, to “Come,” He told us to come. We must keep our eyes on Him unlike Peter who lost focus and began to sink.

He has prepared us with experiences and skill.

He has uniquely gifted each one of us to be here at this time.

So, let’s stir up our gifts and take this life-changing journey “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1-6)

Our journey has begun.