A couple of weeks ago, my husband and I did a long trail run in the Franschhoek mountains. He did the 35km, and I did the 25km, meaning he started an hour before me on a different route. The views were spectacular—rolling mountains, multicoloured spring flowers, and the Berg River Dam. But the race was tough, with 1200m of elevation and rocky peaks. A few kilometers in, I started suffering from reflux, making the race challenging. I prayed, “God, please stop these symptoms, take this pain away.” But He didn’t. Struggling through the last few kilometers, I heard my name. It was my husband; our routes had crossed, and we were able to run the last 7km together. We chatted and cheered each other on, and suddenly, the burden felt light. I finished with ease. Reflecting on the race, I realized God didn’t answer my prayers by taking away the pain, but by giving me someone to walk with. It reminds me of Matthew 11:28-30: “Come to me, all who are weary… For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” God may not remove our struggles, but through Jesus, He helps us carry them. Open Bible – https://bit.ly/mat11v28-30 (Kayla G)
