A burden is a strong desire to meet a need. Leaders find purpose in the needs around them but must learn to focus on the burden of his calling to truly fulfill his or her purpose. You must have a burden before you have a vision. A burden will lead the way to fulfill the vision. There is a process to follow to define your true burden. Three results happen with a burden, and there are emotions that will come with a burden.
The Results of a Burden
- A burden purifies the motive. The desire to do something that is beneficial for others removes selfish ambition. When drawn to serve others with a burden, it is hard to be self-promoting at the same time. A burden is about self-sacrifice with no personal gain.
- A burden will cultivate persistence. You will face challenges in fulfilling the burden, but persistence will carry you through difficult times.
- A burden cements conviction. Just because there is a need does not mean it is a calling. A burden helps a leader know what they should take on as a task. You can’t just chase needs, you must fulfill burdens.
The Emotions of a Burden
- Does a person or project constantly come to your mind as a concern?
- Do you seem unable to escape the needs of this concern?
- Are you constantly trying to challenge others to be concerned about a person or project?
- Do you migrate to books, sermons, or people that focus on this concern?
- Do you repeatedly give time and resources to meet this particular need?
- Does your concern move you to the point of tears?
- Do you have gifts and abilities to meet the needs associated with this concern?
- Does your concern increase with time?
Ask yourself these questions and then let your passion be led by your burden and watch the vision God gives come to pass. A burden keeps the vision alive and keeps a life focused.