LOADED DOWN

Today's reading: Amos 1-4

"So I will make you groan as a wagon groans when it is loaded down with grain." Amos 2:13 NLT

The Lord had spent many years, sent many prophets, gave many signs and provided many opportunities for the Israelites to turn from their gods and follow Him wholeheartedly.

He COULD have made them, but He desired their honest heart's worship rather than subservience.

So He allowed them to reap the harvest of their decisions.

He let them pile, on their hearts and minds, as much as they wanted--and what better picture of this than a loaded grain wagon!

A wagon creaking with the weight of the harvest. A wagon groaning with the pressure of the heaviness. A wagon loaded, sometimes, to capacity and beyond just to get that one last combine-ful.  A wagon bursting at the seams with what's reaped. A wagon that's squatting low on its axles and tires. A wagon that's draggin;.

When we carry too much, when we carry more than we're 'equipped' for, when we carry what's not ours to carry, we will groan. And moan. And break down.

From the discomfort.

From the awkwardness of it.

From the pain.

Check the load you're carrying. Is it over and above your 'weight limit'? Is it more than God's ever asked you to bear? Are you carrying around more than you were ever intended to carry? Are you groaning under the weight of sins that are weighing heavily on your heart?