Ep. 9: Taking Off The Weighted Vest

Have you noticed how many people are wearing weighted vests these days?

I see them everywhere. Walking neighborhoods. On treadmills. Around the gym.

And if I’m being honest, I’m one of the crazy people.

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The whole idea is simple: add a little extra weight, create a little extra resistance, and over time you build strength and endurance.

But here’s what’s interesting...The weighted vest only works because it’s intentional weight.

• You put it on for a purpose.
• You train with it.
• And when you’re done, you take it off.
  
  

The problem is that many of us are walking around carrying weight we never intentionally put on—and God never asked us to carry.

• The weight of outcomes.
• The weight of fixing people.
• The weight of worrying about tomorrow.
• The weight of making everything work.
• The weight of trying to control situations that are ultimately out of our hands.
  
  

At first, it can feel responsible. But eventually it becomes exhausting.

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Jesus says in Matthew 11:28:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

I love that He doesn’t say, “Come to me when you’ve figured it all out.”

He doesn’t say, “Come to me once you’ve fixed the situation.”

He simply says, “Come.”

Maybe that’s our pulse check this week.

Not asking, “What more do I need to carry?”

But asking, “What do I need to put down?”

Because here’s the irony:

When I train with a weighted vest, the goal isn’t to wear it forever. The goal is to build strength so that when I take it off, I have more endurance for whatever comes next.

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The same is true spiritually.

Life will always have challenges. There will always be things that require strength, faith, perseverance, and trust.

But we’ll be much more prepared for those things when we’re not also carrying burdens that belong to God.

So this week, pay attention to what’s weighing on you.

Some things are your assignment.

Some things are God’s responsibility.

Knowing the difference can change everything.

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