When a rightly-fitted yoke is slipped about the burden bearers’ neck, there’s no cause for alarm.
God speaks of his beloved apprentices as those who help lift the load of their fellow travelers.* Yet, even when the added “baggage” may seem far more than one can handle, the burden is lessened to near feather-weight once a pair of useful elements are brought into play.
– Partnering & Practicing When Jesus stated in his rather matter-of-fact way, “Without me you can do nothing,” he actually meant it.
The moment a disciple of Christ comes face to face with their sheer inability to push forward beneath the strain of a load, this is the kind of moment the Lord relishes. Why? Because he knows it is at just those times when we’ve run out of gas or we’ve run dry or we’re about to run for the hills, that we are most ready for his partnership. God never has meant for us to labor and toil for him from our own strength or out of a straining fortitude.
Jesus calls us friends. What are friends about? A friend shows up. A friend partners with us amidst our most desperate, most crushing seasons. Their quiet presence alone is often enough.
A friend is also one who knows how to laugh with us, long and hard. Tears flow – springing this time not from sorrowing – but from sheer, unimpeded, pull-out-the-stops delight over some surprise happening or experience. Possibly through a joke, or maybe one of those shared memories that suddenly blindsides the funny bone.
Just this Monday, along a street here in Okmulgee, I was in the midst of a small company of friends sharing a sweet moment of laughter. Not of the knee-slapping kind but one of those that leaves the heart strangely warmed. Our little band had just taken part in a short prayer-walk in the “bubbling brook” city of my youth, when somebody caught word it was my birthday. A melodic voice struck a chord. The birthday song was underway!
Friends praying – and singing – and laughing. All flowing from the Spirit of the dearest Friend ever.
*Galatians 6:2
– ©2025 Jerry Lout Writer/Speaker Jerry Lout grew up in Okmulgee County. Jerry’s “Living with a Limp” and “Giants in the Rough” are available through Amazon. Current projects include “Inside-Out” and “Thresholds” – a string of narratives highlighting surprises, sorrows and adventure in the post-Africa years. Jerry welcomes reader comments at jerrylout@gmail.com and 918-857-4373.
