Carrying More Than a Stuffed Animal or Nintendo DS

Picture a family getting ready to go on a long drive and overnight stay somewhere.

The parents carry suitcases, diaper bags, groceries, backpacks and toddlers.

They load up the car.

They make several trips into the house and back out to the car—each time, their arms full of necessary items.

What do the kids carry?

Maybe a favorite stuffed animal or Nintendo DS.

In this picture, we see a principle:

The mature carry more than their own stuff, while the immature carry only what they need or want.

When Moses was leading the Israelites from where they had been to where they were going, he felt the weight of carrying an enormous burden.

He was surrounded by family, friends, elders, leaders and staff members but he still felt alone—alone in carrying the vision, responsibility and burden to see it come to pass.

Moses complained to God about it…

“What did I do to deserve the burden of all these people? Did I give birth to them? Did I bring them into the world? Why did you tell me to carry them in my arms like a mother carries a nursing baby? I can’t carry all these people by myself! The load is far too heavy! If this is how you intend to treat me, just go ahead and kill me. Do me a favor and spare me this misery!” (Numbers 11.11-12 & 14-15 NLT)

I can relate to Moses’ frustration and feeling alone in being a “carrier.”

The church is full of people who will only carry what they need or want.

Being a carrier of the vision can feel lonely and overwhelming at times.

Here’s how God responded to Moses:

“Gather before me seventy men who are recognized as elders and leaders… to stand there with you. I will take some of the Spirit that is upon you, and I will put the Spirit upon them also. They will bear the burden of the people along with you, so you will not have to carry it alone.” (Numbers 11.16, 17 NLT)

In essence, God put the same “carrier spirit” Moses had on a group of 70 others.

I believe God is going to do the same thing here at Fairwood Church.

I believe many will rise up to take on the “carrier spirit” – carrying the vision, responsibility and burden to see it come to pass.

How about you? Are you ready to carry more than a stuffed animal or Nintendo DS?

Are you ready to carry more than you need or want?

I’m looking for some carriers…