Five Stones We Carry That God Never Asked Us to Hold

Imagine carrying a backpack filled with five heavy stones. It went with you everywhere you went. At first, you think you can manage the weight. Over time, your shoulders ache, your steps become slower, and you're exhausted.

Spiritually, many of us are carrying stones God never asked us to hold. The good news is God wants us to let him take the weight for you.

God can show us what we are carrying and invites us to lay it down.

"God cares about what you are carrying."

"Pour out all your worries and stress upon him and leave them there, for he always tenderly cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7 (TPT)

I have carried each of these stones.

Stone #1 Unforgiveness

Forgiveness isn’t saying what happened was okay. It’s releasing it to God.

You may be looking for an apology, but it never happens. It may look like feeling angry every time you think of someone. You replay painful memories over and over again.

Colossians 1:4 “who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins” (NLT)

Who am I carrying in my heart?

Stone #2 Shame

Shame is constantly replaying mistakes and believing your past defines your future.

When I’ve carried shame I felt unworthy of God’s love.

Jesus carried our shame on the cross.

Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (NIV)

Am I allowing my past to speak louder than God’s grace?

Stone #3 Guilt

Guilt is punishing yourself long after God has forgiven you.

When I’ve carried guilt I believed I felt like I had to earn God’s forgiveness.

There is a difference between guilt and conviction.

Guilt keeps us chained to yesterday, but conviction leads us to repentance.

2 Corinthians 7:10 “God designed us to feel remorse over sin in order to produce repentance that leads to victory. This leaves us with no regrets. But the sorrow of the world works death.” (TPT)

Am I living in God’s grace or my own guilt?

Stone #4 Fear

Fear convinces us to carry tomorrow’s problems today.

When I’ve carried fear, I have convinced myself the worst-case scenario was going to happen.

God calls us to trust Him on step at a time.

Isaiah 41:10 “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am you God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” (NLT)

What fears do I need to trust God within my life?

Stone #5 False Identity

False Identity is believing that your wounds and past define you.

When I’ve carried false identity I was never enough. I need validation from people.

Your wounds may be part of your story, but they are not your identity.

Your identity is found in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (NIV)

Am I getting my identity from people or my Heavenly Father?

Let’s pray.

Heavenly Father, I know you have never asked me to carry unforgiveness, shame, guilt, fear or false identity. Please reveal any of these stones I am carrying. Forgive me for believing these are part of who I am and holding onto them. I am yours and my identity is found in Christ. Thank you for the freedom I have when I let go of these stones.

In Jesus name, Amen.

You are in my prayers,

Celeste

Written by:

Celeste Ford