Last Straw

Too Heavy

I’m sure you have heard this phrase before; “The straw that broke the camel’s back.” Now being somewhat familiar with camels I know they are a strong animal and could carry quite a load. I also believe you would have to be quite creative on getting enough straw to stay on a camel’s back to actually break it. However, idioms are not intended to be actual trials. The “last straw” refers to the ultimatum in a series of bad things. This happens when someone gets very upset or angry enough to ignite a reaction.

Breaking Point

I know I have been to that breaking point before and it got me to thinking… “How many straws did it take to break that back?” How many times have you found yourself ready to explode, to walk away, to give up? Do you often feel (like I do sometimes) that the straws which life, family, and obligations are thrown upon us are simply too heavy to carry? There are people that have contemplated suicide, quit their jobs, give up on their marriage, left the church, or even road rage. All because of that “straw that broke the camel’s back.”

The Hebrew writer points our burdened hearts towards Jesus in these instances. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God,” (Hebrews 12:1-2).

Jesus Carries My Load

All the “straws” that we allow to pile up on our backs, will keep us from living in the miraculous carefree life that Jesus Christ died to give us. Jesus is there to carry a whole stack of straw for us as long as we run the race He has marked out for us. Placing our trust in Him. If we commit EVERYTHING to Him, the load we carry will be lifted. My friends, it is not easy. When life’s challenges load us down with fear, worry, and anxiety, Satan wants us to carry our own load.

But Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28). Yet I’ve still caught myself carrying burdens I should offload onto Jesus. We can put down these burdens when we come to the Lord in prayer. The apostle Peter says, “Cast all your anxiety on [Jesus] because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). Because He cares for you and me, we can rest and relax as we learn to trust Him. Instead of carrying the “straw” that weigh us down and weary us; we can give the first, the last, the whole load to the Lord to carry.

Dear God, I rejoice that I can find strength and support in Your promises. Help me to let go of my “straw” and cast all of my anxiety and burdens upon You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Peace, Love, and Unity

Phil Bamesberger Home

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