How much can you carry? I don’t mean how many bags of groceries at a time from the car to the kitchen. Although, given my desire to be efficient, I often try and carry all the groceries in one trip – just a little heads up, that doesn’t normally work and has the real likelihood that it will end badly.
No, I am talking about the amount of responsibility you can shoulder at one time.
We often cling to the promise that God will never give us more than we can handle. While that promise from scripture is true, I wonder if we don’t use that sometimes to justify the amount of commitments we make. Unfortunately, I am speaking as much about me as I am about anyone else.
I have found that I have a real problem saying “No.”
The problem is that regardless of how much I think I can carry, the reality is the more I take on, the less effective I become in all of it. And added to that reality is the humbling realization that at some point along the way, I begin to rely on my own strength, brains and experience instead of seeking God first and working through the power I find there.
Take some time today to make a list of all your commitments. Note beside each one whether it is an endeavor to follow God’s plan for you or just something you took on because someone else made you feel guilty. Then ask God to help you focus on those responsibilities that will bring people to Jesus. Our ultimate reason for existence is to love God and love others. Make sure your responsibilities are keeping you focused on what is of ultimate importance.
Be blessed today!
Clay in the Hands 
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