SIMON OF CYRENE: Your Burden Bearer


 Along the way, they came upon a man from Cyrene named Simon and made him carry Jesus' cross. Arriving at Golgotha, the place they call "Skull Hill," they offered Jesus a mild painkiller (a mixture of wine and myrrh), but when He tasted it, He refused to drink it. — Matthew 27:32


It was a challenging time for Jesus: although He was on the way to rescue mankind from the damage caused by the devil and evil, He was subjected to despicable pain from torture and eventually had to carry His own cross, enduring excruciating pain. Even at this point, the most heartless soldiers could see that the cross was becoming unbearable for Him. They knew there was no way He could reach Golgotha bearing the cross alone; so, they compelled another man to bear the cross for Him.


The cross. The challenges. The greatest attacks and ridicule. The gang-up and evil plans. The betrayal and abandonment by trusted associates—all these are seriously unbearable. No matter how strong a person is, such crosses weigh heavily, often resulting in depression or death. He needed someone to bear the burden with Him. Even those who forced Him to carry the cross knew that He would eventually crumble under the weight—that is why they pressed forward, pushing men against Him. They knew He was strong, but with incessant pressure, anyone would succumb. 


This is the perfect time to seek out the Simon of Cyrene that God has prepared for you.


Sincerely, you need a man who believes in your testimony and is ready to see beyond the noisy, hostile crowd. There must be a person of peace who will speak up for you and silence the depressing, relentless voices calling for your destruction.


Here are God’s promises for us in trying times:


"Don’t be afraid, for I am with you; don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Behold, all who are incensed against you will be ashamed and disgraced; those who strive against you will be as nothing and perish. You will seek them and not find them—those who contend with you will be as nothing at all." — Isaiah 41:10-12


"Kings will be your guardians, and their queens your nursing mothers. They will bow down before you with their faces to the ground; they will lick the dust at your feet. Then you will know that I am the LORD; those who hope in me will not be disappointed." — Isaiah 49:23


"I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you." — John 14:18


Let us pray:  

Lord Jesus, this is truly a trying time for me. It is becoming impossible to bear this cross alone. I am already crumbling under its weight. Please send the promised help and helper speedily to bear this burden with me. Let there be someone who hears me and believes in my testimony. Give him the strength to silence the roaring and fierce noises all around. Grant me victory at last, that I may fulfill my destiny. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.


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