If you or a family member are among the 16 million people in the U.S. who suffer from COPD, you’ve no doubt checked into the pros and cons of oxygen tanks (unwieldy and weighing up to 20 pounds) vs. oxygen concentrators (small, and just 5 pounds or so).
These latter devices can be carried around, even in a backpack. That’s much easier than wheeling a cumbersome, heavy tank everywhere. Such an amazing invention.
Whichever device is chosen, the increased oxygen flow is life-giving to the patient, improving their quality of life and providing peace of mind.
As Christians, we carry something with us that is also life-giving—into eternity. It improves our quality of life in astounding ways, and provides such overwhelming peace of mind, it surpasses understanding.[1]
This entity is lighter than air even though it possesses the awesome weight of God’s glory (the infinite wonders of who he is) and the full height and depth of his love. It doesn’t have to be pulled along or carried on the hip or back; it’s carried within the spirit.
What is this invisible reality? God’s kingdom. We are Kingdom Carriers[2]—if we’ve accepted his Son Jesus into our lives. That choice leads to the abundant life he promised.[3]
Carry an oxygen concentrator and you can supply yourself with that one necessity for as long as the battery lasts, about 8 hours. But as Kingdom Carriers? Oh my! God provides numerous necessities for a lifetime and beyond. Some come quickly to mind, such as the peace of mind mentioned above, wisdom for decision-making, and the assured hope of a glorious future.[4]
But what else do we carry in our invisible Kingdom satchels? Here are a few examples:
- God’s encouragement. Within the pages of his Word we find heartening promises, assuring each of us, “You’re not alone; I’m here to help you. Remember, with me all things are possible.”[5]
- God’s equipping. He provides courage in distress, serenity in difficulty, strength under pressure, comfort in pain, and more.[6]
- God’s faithfulness. Reflect on the numerous times God has graciously protected and provided. With King David we can affirm:
- The truth about our identity. We are God’s children, created in his image for divine purpose.[7]
- Joy—even in the midst of trouble. Paul is our example. “In all our troubles,” he wrote, “my joy knows no bounds” (2 Corinthians 7:4). We can live like that too!
- Security. “There isn’t a single moment when you’re not tucked next to the heart of God.”[8]
Our Kingdom backpacks even include a new wardrobe!
And what does this new wardrobe include? A long coat of humility that envelops everything else, soft gloves woven of kindness and gentleness, quiet slippers of patience (as opposed to tap-shoes of exasperation), and a large scarf of forgiveness that covers a multitude of grievances (vs. 11-13).
Now, at least several questions present themselves:
Are we putting to good use these amazing provisions? What can we do to avail ourselves more readily?
And, as Kingdom Carriers, are we sharing the life-giving, peace-imparting contents of our invisible backpacks with those around us?
* * * * * * * * * *
I praise You, O God for transferring us from the domain of darkness to the kingdom of your beloved Son. You, the King of the universe, have made us your sons and daughters! Now, wherever we go, we carry within us your invisible kingdom—and all its amazing qualities. May we be faithful to access what you’ve provided and generously share them with others.
(Colossians 1:13; 2 Corinthians 6:18; Luke 17:21; John 10:10; Hebrews 13:16)
[1] Psalm 145:13; John 10:10; Philippians 4:6-7
[2] A phrase coined by Elaine Olsen, Peace for the Journey, 141. (Elaine is one of my former second-grade students!)
[3] John 3:16; 3:3; 10:10
[4] James 1:5; 1 Peter 1:3-6
[5] Psalm 23:4; 46:1; Matthew 19:26
[6] Psalm 27:1; Psalm 9:9-10; Isaiah 40:28-31; Psalm 147:3
[7] John 1:12; Ephesians 2:10
[8] Chrystal Evans Hurst, Kingdom Woman, p. 157; Isaiah 40:11
Art & photo credits: http://www.wikimedia.org; http://www.canva.com; http://www.heartlight.org; http://www.wikimedia.org; http://www.heartlight.org; http://www.flickr.com.
From the Inside Out 
He has so blessed us with all these heavenly blessings and all we have to do is point to the One who gives life
Amen, Brenda. Our God is incredibly generous!
What a potent reminder, Nancy – that we are “kingdom carriers.” Thank you for this. It’s so amazing that it’s hard to grasp. Especially the joy (for me). That we have access to its very source every single day! Glory.
Thinking about all his provisions for us DOES elevate our joy. Glory indeed! Thank you for stopping by, Mary, and leaving a comment!
Again, thank you Nancy for your blog! Sometimes it blesses, sometimes it brings conviction and other times comfort. Thank you for your tireless work in presenting God truth in Jesus Christ. Sam
Thank you, Sam, for your faithful reading of these posts, and your ongoing encouragement!
What a loving Father we have. He truly thought of everything. We need only remember how well equipped we are. 🦋
Right, Bridget! It can be so easy to lose our focus and neglect implementing the provisions God has made. Slowly over time I have seen improvement in my life. “Practice makes perfect” in his area too!
love the image of heavenly backpack. I just wrote a guest post called Travel Light which made me/reminded me what is essential to carry and what to let go of. Always a process, right?
So true, Jean. Where did you guest post? I’ll have to stop by and read “Travel Light!” (Maybe if I Google it I can find it.)
AMEN! Thank you Nancy.. Love and
Blessings : Janet
Thank you, dear Janet. Love and blessings back to you! It’s always makes me smile to see your name, and remember fondly North Church days!
Thanks Nancy for the needed reminder to check my Kingdom backpack to make sure it contains my Abba’s essential provisions, and discard any unnecessary ‘secular snack’ baggage I’ve felt necessary to stuff in there.
Good point, Fred! As Kingdom Carriers, we certainly can collect unnecessary baggage–dissatisfaction, self-centeredness, pride, and more. Praise God he’s made a way to take care of that stuff too: repentance!
Thank you Nancy. Carrying Jesus with us is free and comforting. I am happy to have Him as my backpack.
Indeed! I’ve seen His joy on your face, dear Laura!
Nancy, this is such an encouraging and comforting post. I choose to carry the weight of the world which is too much for me or a heavenly backpack where I find rest!
Thank you, Pam. You are so right: Why carry the weight of the world (which accomplishes nothing positive), when we can be Kingdom Carriers with all its benefits? That peaceful rest in our Heavenly Father’s care is a big benefit!
What wonderful imagery, Nancy. The clothes we wear are mere garments while God’s wrappings – with true believers – are boundless and will never deteriorate. I was thinking about how this concept would make for an entertaining Sunday School lesson. The children could pick from a box of clothing, put on the garment, and decide which of God’s gifts it represents.
That idea for a children’s Sunday School lesson is a good one, Dave. Kids would remember God’s gifts more readily with such a creative activity to enhance the learning!
I love this analogy, Nancy! Ironically, when your email dropped in, I was back in my mom’s room helping her as she is having a bad flare-up from her COPD. Struggling to breathe even with her oxygen. Now when I see her oxygen supply, I will think our kingdom backpacks, and be grateful.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the analogy, Mary. With you I am so grateful for all the blessings God provides, enabling us to enjoy the abundant life he provides. But I’m also sorry your mom is struggling to breathe, even with oxygen. That has to be concerning for you! Does the heat exasperate the problem?
Hi Nancy,
I like the idea that we carry about the kingdom in our lives. The weight of life can’t destroy the strength from within.
Thanks, Gary
Amen, Gary, and well said! We are MORE than conquerors through him who loved us!
Lovely post, Nancy! It’s such an honor to be a Kingdom Carrier. And the items in the backpack you mention–wow, what an awesome God we serve.
I love your observation, Lisa, that it is an HONOR to be a Kingdom Carrier. Very true! So glad you found wonder in the contents of our heavenly backpacks.
What a great analogy Nancy!! Love this idea, that we have these spiritual resources in our heavenly backpack…right within reach.😃❤️
Thank you, Alicia. Yes, indeed, everything we need is right within reach. Good point, my friend!
Our backpacks are full to bursting with every tool we need to get us through our trials and share the Good News with others! Love this part of your post: “God’s equipping. He provides courage in distress, serenity in difficulty, strength under pressure, comfort in pain, and more.” He has my back and I have my backpack!
Love that last observation, Cheri: He has my back and I have my backpack! Very astute!!
Wow … that Colossians 3:10 verse pops in The Message, doesn’t it, Nancy. Thanks for this reminder that God has given us everything we need for life. How blessed.
Eugene Peterson had such a unique way of paraphrasing scripture! Sometimes I thought, “Oh, he went too far this time.” Then I look up the passage in the NIV and discover he wasn’t off-base at all–just distinctive in his interpretation! / We are indeed prepared for every contingency with all the contents God’s provided in our heavenly backpacks! Thank you, Linda!
Amen! Nancy, there is blessed strength to be gathered and shared when we think of ourselves as “Kingdom Carriers.” Grace and peace be with you.
Thank you for stopping by BigSkyBuckeye and affirming the theme of this post. I do feel God’s grace and peace every day!