I have heard it said "God won't give you more than you can handle.".... Okay. Says who? Did God say this somewhere in the Bible? Did this come from some well educated scholar? Did it come from the wealth of wisdom birthed from decades of living? Or did this come from someone down on their luck, looking for a way to feel better about their circumstances? I can't say because I simply don't know. I haven't studied the origin of this cliche. What I do know is this.... That is pure bologna! Maybe I'm the only one that feels that way. Maybe no one else has ever felt like they had more on them than they could handle. Maybe I'm the only one that has ever felt like I was being put through one test of faith after another. But I don't think that's true. I say these struggles are something each and everyone of us experience. I say we all go through tests in our lives. We all have struggles that vary from day to day, minute to minute. I think the scripture most people refer to when trying to validate this cliche is found in 1 Corinthians. "...but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it." (1 Cor 10:13 NKJV) Now please note that I certainly am not the aforementioned well educated scholar. What I'm about to share with you is purely from my convictions and opinions. That being said, I believe with all of my heart that verse deals with exactly what it says.... temptation. Whether it's the temptation to steal, to lie or to become prideful. Whatever temptation is placed before us, there is a way we can deny that temptation... by relying on God for our strength and guidance daily. By staying in His word and learning His ways so that we can confront those temptations head on. But that is a post for another day. What I am talking about today are those trials we go through. Those hurdles that can sometimes break our spirit. Those tribulations that make us wonder if God has forgotten about us. Well, my dear friends, let me assure you... He has not forgotten you. And He most certainly cares about you. I have had a lot thrown on my plate lately. (I won't go into too much detail at this time. That's also a post for another day.) I say God will most certainly give us more than we can handle. God desires for us to lean on Him for our strength and encouragement. Why would we need Him if we could get through this life on our own? That's not His desire. I believe that sometimes we in our human nature tend to think, "Oh my life is going so good. I've got this thing figured out." I say that is a slap in God's face because without Him we are nothing and can do nothing. I think God does allow us to go through hard times because it is in those times that we have the biggest opportunity to grow. We learn even more how much we do need Him. It's those times when we are broken before the Lord that He is able to cradle us in His arms of grace and mercy and remind us just how much He loves us. Just today I had myself wrapped up in a world of uncertainty and the need to figure out the answers by myself. God quickly reminded me I am not alone and He has my future in His hands. It is a humbling experience when we are brought to our knees as we remember just how blessed we are and how sacred our relationship with Christ is. Friends, I share all of this with you in the hopes that it will somehow encourage you. When you are feeling overwhelmed with the things that are coming your way, remember to call on God. He will never turn from us and He cares about each and every concern we have. I also wanted to remind you that when we are going through a difficult time, those are the times we need to draw nearer to our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Be careful who you turn to for advice and guidance. Make sure you are getting your guidance from our Heavenly Father. Lean on each other for support, encouragement, and more importantly for a community of prayer warriors. I have a hard time reaching out for help, but I sincerely do believe that when we become vulnerable, and humble ourselves before Christ and our fellow christian family, those are the times of our greatest growth. I say let's remember that everyone is going through something. I say let's be the light in someone's dark time today. I say let's pray for one another and encourage one another. I still don't have the answers I was seeking for today, but what I do have is a blessed assurance and hope. I have a God that will not forsake me. I have a husband that stands with me. And I have a community of brothers and sisters in Christ that I know will be praying with me. And that's more than enough for me. My prayer is for each and every one of you to be blessed beyond measure! Thanks for taking the time to read my blog!
2 Comments
Kristie Stokes
7/22/2015 01:20:30 pm
You are amazing Brandi!! I am blessed to know you :-).
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Antiquated Bride
7/23/2015 12:21:29 am
Oh thank you! I am blessed to know you as well!
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AuthorI am a pretty traditional woman living in a very modern world. My husband and I live in south Alabama. W'e are working on our eleventh year of marriage, have four wonderful children, two crazy dogs, and one sassy cat. God is the center of our lives and we strive everyday to grow in His love and wisdom. I rarely get this momma/wife thing right, but I live everyday as well as I can and love with everything I have. My prayer is that someday, something I have to say, will touch someone's heart and draw them closer to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Blogging is a new venture for me so.... Here goes! Archives
February 2016
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