“I alone am not able to carry all this people, because it is too burdensome for me.” Numbers 11:14
We all face periods of discouragement for various reasons. Demanding circumstances usually come and go. Like the tide, it’s just the rhythm of life. But what about when a burdening situation lingers? If anyone ever had a reason to be discouraged, it was Moses. His story offers help for overcoming discouragement when you want to quit.
First, realize that even God-given responsibilities can be burdensome. God led Moses to deliver the Israelites from bondage in Egypt. Yet even after he did, the people never seemed to stop complaining. They were rarely satisfied with Moses’ leadership or with God’s provision. Still, the Lord called Moses to this burdensome task.
Remember though, God-given tasks require God’s abilities. Approaching God’s work with mere human capability is overwhelming. Moses was so focused on his inability to meet the people’s demands that he became completely discouraged (v13). Not only was he ready to quit, Moses actually wanted to die. He told God, “if You are going to deal thus with me, please kill me at once” (v15). Now, that’s a heavy burden!
Instead of asking God to take his life, Moses should have trusted God to take his burden. He lost sight of the fact that God never intended him to carry this burden alone (Exodus 3:12). The Lord had a solution. He provided 70 others to, “bear the burden of the people with you, so that you will not bear it all alone” (v17). But most importantly, bearing the burden of God’s work required the presence of God’s Spirit (v17).
What discouraging situation makes you want to quit? Has a God-given responsibility become more than you can bear? Examine whether you’re trying to accomplish the task at hand in your own abilities rather than in the strength of the Holy Spirit. Ask God who else He can bring alongside to help you carry the load.
Like Moses, God does not intend for us to carry our burdens alone. Jesus knows that life can get hard and heavy, which is why He invites, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). He equips us to handle the constant demands of life. And He empowers us to overcome when we’re overwhelmed. Will you trust Jesus to take your burden today?
