Somebody's got to do the heaving lifting...

Ever get frustrated because you feel like someone isn't, "pulling their weight"?  I remember the first week or so of Basketball practice in High School, killing myself to keep the team from running more killers (ladders or suicides).  There was always a guy or two who just didn't seem to care.  Fortunately the hazing they brought on themselves meant they didn't stay out very long.

There are always those who will not carry their weight.  I guess that's just part of life.  But when something needs to be accomplished you really need those willing to carry the heavy loads.  We often want things to be fair and equal but the fact of the matter is someone is always gonna draw the short straw.  Incredible things happen though, when those who can, do.

In Numbers 4 God is giving instructions to Moses and Aaron as to how this huge machine called the Nation of Israel is to move about as they wander the countryside.  Think of it, two, three, maybe six million or more need to move together as a unit.  And not only that, the Tabernacle - the House of God - has to be broken down, stowed and moved so that the people would know where to Go.  They were to follow the Ark (part of the Tabernacle furnishings and housed the very presence of God) so where the Ark/Tabernacle went they people followed.

So God gave instruction for the families of the Levites, three clans who would each be given something to carry as the Israelites moved from place to place.  One family would carry the articles and utensils used with them.  One family would carry the poles, pegs, basses and frames.  But only one family was called to "serve by carrying heavy loads."  This family, the Gershonites, were to carry the clothes and curtains and coverings - many of them several layers thick of heavy woven and sewn fabrics - which covered the Tabernacle itself and made up the curtain that surrounded the entire Tabernacle compound.

This is how the Nation would move from place to place.  If the heavy loads (and all the other loads) weren't carried the Nation would not, could not move as God led.

What has God called you to do to help His people move from where they are to where God wants them?  Someone is going to have to carry the heavy load.  Has God called you to that task?  If so, don't argue, don't whine and don't back down because the work is difficult.  Instead, must your strength and rely on Him and carry your load.  You may be the one who helps many get where God is leading.  Your load may be heavy but the reward is often just as big.

Whatever God has called you to do.  Whatever skill or talent or aptitude God has given you, own it.  Carry it.  Lead so that others can get where God is.  And when it's time, get out of the way so that someone else can carry the load in your place.  Notice that everyone has a load to carry, but some get the blessing and struggle to be called to carry the heavy load.

Carry it in His strength and for His Glory and purpose.  For the Church and for getting where He wants to take us all, carry your load.