In southwest China along the Tibetan border is a testimony to one man’s commitment to God. Dr. Mel Richardson, of the Care and Share Foundation, has a burden to carry out a vision which is straight from the heart of God. Along with other sponsors the foundation has brought humanitarian efforts to Dengke, a village which rests high in the Yangtze River valley. This project has become a burden not only for Dr. Richardson's fellow British countrymen but also for others from around the world. Out of a deep love of Jesus they have given of their talents to bring about a better life for the local people. Since Project Dengke is recognized by the Chinese government it can’t share the Gospel. In communist China the result of actually telling people about Jesus Christ can be imprisonment or death. Living the gospel is Project Dengke’s avenue of ministry. Project Dengke has brought numerous blessings into lives who have given and those who have received.

Three types of burdens are revealed in the Word of God—one that is the result of sin, one that comes as the result of circumstance, and one that comes with surrender to God’s will. A burden which comes from sin is placed there by indifference to God’s will. It weighs down every human attempt to get rid of it, and can only be lifted by repentance. A burden that comes as the result of a circumstance is one that God expects us to turn over to Him. Surrender to God’s will brings a burden from Him that is meant to be received. We either return it to Him, fulfilled, or we allow it to die before it produces a good personal response. These burdens share one truth. Each one calls for an inner spiritual work that releases the burden to God.

In the book of Nehemiah the Hebrew nation is called to rebuild the walls of the temple, which the people’s sin had destroyed. It is the same for us. We are to allow God’s burden, to become the vision that inspires. We, just as the Hebrew nation, are to rebuild the walls of God’s purpose, which our sin has ruined. His burden placed within our heart speaks of His firm confidence in our willingness to say “yes”. When we respond to His burden with positive action the result becomes a powerful proof that God provides what is needed for not only fulfillment of His purpose, but for fulfillment for us personally.

Do you have an idea for ministry? Could it be God’s burden or is it your imagination? You must determine if what you believe to be God’s call is truly from Him. Prayer, Scripture, and confirmation are essential. The Lord expects communion in prayer with His child. He expects us to weigh every idea against Scripture. He also sends corroboration through Scripture, circumstance, prayer, another Christian or even a non-Christian. Our human mind conceives many venues, but God is never restricted.

In prayer we discover that a burden from the Lord persists. God seems locked on one subject no matter how much we attempt to deter Him. There might be a quick fear at the sudden overwhelming realization that the idea is from the Lord, but at the same time you experience peace knowing your imagination is not working overtime. When you give the Lord the complete right-of-way, enthusiasm for His burden grows.

God’s burden never contradicts His Word. God never calls His child to something that goes against the truth of His Word. You must have the Word alive in your heart. This comes from studying the Word, and praying over each Truth it teaches.

God expects a positive response to His burden. Refusal shuts the door to not only spiritual growth, but to God’s anointing. If we agree to His burden, His power working through us is boundless.

Many in China have agreed to God's burden to share the Gospel.  I have been told that I can't write about all that I know, because I may actually cause persecution for Christian workers in China. But deep in the heart of China there are those who place their lives on the line for Jesus Christ. They vocally share the gospel realizing the danger involved. Underground churches are planted, and people are saved. Chinese Christians and missionaries endure hardship not unlike those first few missionaries like Paul and Silas. They have discovered that the blessings received through a willingness to suffer for sake of the gospel are more important than life itself.

^“Give away your life,” Jesus implored, “and you'll receive more life in return! You will find real life and blessing when your will is lost in mine” (Luke 6:38)! God has placed His heart and call within the heart of man, and that call means suffering and sacrifice. What is God’s burden for you? Only you can make it resound with His promise. His passion for you took Jesus to the cross. Your passion for Him is revealed in your response to His call.

Lynn Lacher

IF YOU WISH TO RECEIVE WEEKLY DEVOTIONALS, PLEASE EMAIL LYNN AT LACHERL@CABLEONE.NET.