Dear Truro family,
This past Tuesday night we began our Lenten teaching series, focusing on “Giving God Our Baggage”. I wanted to summarize the main content of what was shared, in the hopes that this gives you something to think about in this season of preparation for Easter.
First, what do we mean by baggage? Simply put, it’s the things we carry. Pain, regret, wounds, questions, failures, even successes. We all carry baggage because we’re broken, sinful, and hurting people living in a broken, sinful, and hurting world. We both produce baggage and we’re handed it. Over time, our interior lives begin to resemble a cluttered garage. The invitation of this series is to let Jesus walk in and trust him to do what’s best.
I offered four exhortations:
- Give God your baggage (so he can give you something in exchange). Jesus knows what you’re carrying better than you do. He doesn’t offer quick answers, but he does offer rest. (Matthew 11:28–30)
- Count your baggage as loss in order to gain Christ. This includes your successes, not only your suffering. (Philippians 3:4–8)
- Consider how God redeems your baggage so you can know Christ. God weeps with you and he reigns over the suffering that has caused baggage in your life. Nothing is wasted in the Redeemer’s hands. (1 Peter 1:3–7)
- Look back and see that God was with you when you picked up that baggage. He was there all along. This doesn’t change the pain. But it can change your perspective. (Psalm 139:1–12)
Aren’t you glad that Jesus is your Good Shepherd, and knows how to help you in these places of pain? Let’s keep looking to him together.
Your brother,
Jamie
P.S. Our Annual Church Family Meeting is Sunday, March 15 at 1:00 P.M. You’ll hear updates from various ministry leaders on what God is up to in the life of our church. We’ll cover a lot of ground (practical, financial, and spiritual) – looking back and looking ahead. We’ll have food trucks outside after the 10:00 A.M. service so you can eat lunch before the meeting begins. You can purchase lunch tickets here.