Heavy laden

(Image adapted from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/carsten_tb/)

Reading the news of the young 25 year old Indian actress Jiah Khan committing suicide shocked me. As the details came out, it was revealed that she was going through a difficult time in her professional as well as personal life. Some reports claim that she was unhappy, frustrated and depressed leading Jiah Khan to take this extreme step. Her sister on the other hand says it was a decision made on the spur of the moment. Whatever the real reason may be, a soul has been lost.

The fact is that life is not easy. You may make a hundredfold plans only to find them crumbling. The path that once looked straight could suddenly diverge. The bright morning that was seemingly beautiful happens to turn cloudy and dull by afternoon.

It is important to realize that everybody goes through periods of struggle. For some the hardships can stretch for a longer duration than expected. The disappointments can be heartbreaking and the insensitive remarks you hear from those around you blood curdling. Indeed it might seem too much to bear.

To those who are heavy laden and finding it impossible to carry on, might I suggest that you take a moment and remember the persecution Jesus Christ faced and His crucifixion (Mathew Chapter 27, Mark Chapter 15, or Luke Chapter 23). How agonizing must have been the insults hurled at Him, the blows that He received, the scourging of His body by the soldiers, the crown of thorns that was forcefully fitted on His head, and the final nailing on to the cross. Even more so, how burdened He must have felt under the weight of the collective sins of the world. In comparison aren't your problems small and pain much less? 

It may appear that God is not answering your prayers. But once you start listing you will realize that though He might not be giving you all that your heart desires, He surely is providing you with all you need. So be patient and let not your faith waver. When distressed, just as Jesus Christ did in Luke Chapter 22, ask the Lord:

42 Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; 
yet not my will, but yours be done."