Faithful Living: Turning Burdens Over to Jesus

Amazing grace is more than a song—it’s a testimony of what God can do with a life surrendered to Him. When burdens get heavy and life feels overwhelming, the invitation is clear: turn it over to Jesus and stop worrying about it. There are things in this world we simply cannot control, but there is nothing too hard for the Lord. Jesus Himself calls us to come to Him when we are weary and burdened, promising rest for our souls. This is not just theory; it’s lived experience. Through every trial, every loss, and every season of uncertainty, God has proven faithful to work things out in ways we could never imagine.

Reflecting on the life of Charlene Wallace, we see a living example of faith in action. Charlene’s journey was not without struggle—she faced health challenges, financial hardship, and the judgments of others. Yet, like Job, she held fast to her faith, trusting God even when life didn’t make sense. Her witness is in heaven and her record is on high. What set Charlene apart was not perfection, but her unwavering belief in Jesus Christ. The promise of eternal life is not for those who have dotted every “i” and crossed every “t,” but for those who believe in Jesus. That is settled.

Charlene’s faith was not just private; it was public and practical. She loved the church, believed in its people, and supported its mission. She read her Bible, both in private devotion and in public gatherings, never ashamed of her story or her struggles. She was a tither, giving faithfully even when she had little, trusting God’s provision. Her life reminds us that the church is a family, and that God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. The legacy of a believer is not measured by worldly success, but by faithfulness to God and love for His people.

As we look ahead, the call is to keep lifting up Jesus, to keep Him alive in our hearts and in our community. In a world that often ignores or dismisses Christ, we are called to remember, to believe, and to act. Let us honor the memory of those who have gone before us by living lives of faith, generosity, and courage—knowing that God is still at work, and that His grace is more than enough.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Turning Burdens Over to Jesus There are burdens in life that are simply too heavy for us to carry alone. Jesus invites us to bring our weariness and worries to Him, promising rest and relief. The act of turning things over to Jesus is not a one-time event, but a continual practice—sometimes we must turn it over again and again, trusting that He will work it out in His time and way. [14:51]
• 2. Faithfulness in the Midst of Struggle Like Job, we may face seasons of loss, misunderstanding, and pain, but faith is not about having all the answers. It’s about trusting God’s character when circumstances are confusing. Even when others judge or misunderstand us, our witness is in heaven and our record is on high—God alone knows the full story and honors steadfast faith. [34:28]
• 3. The Simplicity and Power of Belief in Jesus Eternal life is not earned by perfect behavior, but received through simple, genuine belief in Jesus Christ. The promise is clear: “Whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” This assurance frees us from guilt and striving, allowing us to live with confidence and hope, no matter our past. [46:03]
• 4. The Importance of Church Family and Generosity The church is more than a building; it is a family where we support, encourage, and care for one another. Faithful giving—whether of time, resources, or encouragement—strengthens the whole body and enables the church to fulfill its mission. God blesses both the individual tither and the tithing church, providing for needs in ways that defy human logic. [51:06]
• 5. Living and Sharing an Authentic Testimony Charlene’s life was marked by honesty about her struggles and gratitude for God’s deliverance. She was never too proud to ask for help, and she was quick to share her story of transformation. When God delivers us, we are called to stand up and testify, encouraging others that deliverance is possible and that God’s grace is sufficient for all. [57:43]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:45] - Amazing Grace and Opening Worship
• [02:30] - Turning It Over to Jesus
• [07:15] - Stop Worrying and Trust God
• [14:51] - Testimonies of God Working It Out
• [18:57] - The Things We Can’t Control
• [21:04] - Nothing Too Hard for the Lord
• [23:37] - Responsive Reading and Foundations of Faith
• [25:53] - Lifting Up Jesus in 2025
• [28:43] - Remembering Charlene Wallace
• [34:28] - Lessons from Job and Charlene’s Faith
• [40:39] - Charlene’s Journey and Church Family
• [46:03] - The Assurance of Belief in Jesus
• [51:06] - The Church as Family and Generosity
• [54:00] - Charlene’s Love for the Word
• [57:43] - Testimony and Deliverance
• [58:57] - Faithful Giving and Tithing
• [66:06] - God’s Provision for the Church
• [67:18] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
• [73:04] - Offering and Final Blessing
• [75:11] - Benediction and Announcements
• [76:12] - Final Thanks and Dismissal

Bible Reading

Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV) — > “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

2. Job 13:15 (ESV)
> “Though he slay me, I will hope in him; yet I will argue my ways to his face.”

3. John 3:16 (ESV)
> “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

Observation Questions

1. According to Matthew 11:28-30, what does Jesus promise to those who are weary and burdened?
2. In the sermon, what were some of the specific struggles Charlene Wallace faced, and how did she respond to them? [[40:39]]
3. What does Job declare about his faith in God, even in the midst of suffering? [[34:28]]
4. How does John 3:16 describe the way to receive eternal life?

Interpretation Questions

1. What does it mean to “turn it over to Jesus” as described in both the passage and the sermon? Why is this sometimes a continual process rather than a one-time event? [[14:51]]
2. The sermon says, “The promise of eternal life is not for those who have dotted every ‘i’ and crossed every ‘t,’ but for those who believe in Jesus.” How does this challenge common ideas about what it means to be “good enough” for God? [[46:03]]
3. Charlene’s faith was described as both public and practical. What are some ways faith can be lived out in community, according to the sermon? [[54:00]]
4. Why do you think the pastor emphasized that “our witness is in heaven and our record is on high”? How does this perspective help when facing judgment or misunderstanding from others? [[39:14]]

Application Questions

1. Is there a burden in your life right now that you keep picking back up after you’ve tried to give it to Jesus? What would it look like to “turn it over again” this week? [[14:51]]
2. Charlene was honest about her struggles and not ashamed to ask for help. Is there an area in your life where pride keeps you from reaching out? What’s one step you could take to be more open with your church family? [[44:18]]
3. The sermon says that eternal life is settled for those who believe in Jesus, not for those who are perfect. Do you ever struggle with guilt or feeling like you have to “earn” God’s love? How can you remind yourself of the truth of John 3:16? [[46:03]]
4. Charlene was a faithful tither and gave even when she had little. What does generosity look like for you right now? Is there a way you can give—time, resources, or encouragement—to support your church family this month? [[51:06]]
5. The church is described as a family where we support and care for one another. Who in your church family could use encouragement or practical help this week? How might you reach out? [[51:06]]
6. Charlene was never ashamed to share her testimony of deliverance. Is there a part of your story that could encourage someone else? What’s one way you could share it this week? [[57:43]]
7. The pastor said, “God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things.” Do you ever feel too ordinary or unqualified to make a difference? What is one small step you can take to serve or encourage someone this week? [[54:00]]