And four wagons and eight oxen he gave to the sons of Merari, according to their service, under the direction of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest. But to the sons of Kohath he gave none, because they were charged with the service of the holy things that had to be carried on the shoulder.
Numbers 7:8-9
Lord, when I look at others, what You have provided them for carrying out Your will for their lives, how You have made what appears to be accommodations for them, and then look at my life, I sometimes feel as if the load I have been called to carry is heavier than theirs. I look at them, and how You have stood them up and set them up for success, giving them the resources they need to carry the loads You have given them. And then I look at me, and my call to bear it all up on my shoulders. I must confess that sometimes I feel like it is unfair. Those words, “he gave none,” resonate with something in my soul and feed this sense of feeling alone, abandoned and neglected. Yet, I also confess that what is lost on me is first, the distant and unique call You have placed on my life. You have given me everything I need. You have given me not only the strength, but also the provision to carry the burdens You have placed on me. But secondly, I am reminded that I do not see the burdens and challenges that others have. Even as I look upon them and see how their load appears lighter, they look upon me and see how I don’t have to contend with all the challenges they have. Hence my load may appear lighter to them. But most importantly, what is lost on me when I feel this way is that You have called me not to compare myself and my calling with others. Your words to Peter regarding John’s call ring true in my heart, “What is that to you?” In truth, it isn’t any of my business! Forgive me for thinking this way regarding how You manifest Your will in the lives of Your people. Help me to recognize when I am crossing that line, and draw me back to the foot of Your cross that I might repent of those feelings, and realign myself to the work You are doing in me and through me. I pray this in Your Name. Amen.