Have you ever heard that phrase?
I have...many times.
But my life certainly feels like more than I can handle!
So decided to spend a little time searching to see if there was any Biblical basis for that saying. You know what??? I couldn't find it!
In 1 Corinthians, the Bible says God will not let us be tempted beyond what we can bear, but it doesn't say anything about not giving us more than we can handle.
What a relief!!!No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.~1 Corinthians 10:13
Because my life certainly feels like more than I can handle!!! I've been living a Job-like life for almost five years now. The first devastating, put-you-on-your-knees event actually occurred in September 2009 - 4 months before Matthew's death.
And the hits just keep on coming!
I've shared most of our struggles publicly, but some are only known by those closest to us. The highlights include Matthew's death, Will's struggles, a fight (knock-down-drag-out) to save our marriage, and a failed adoption. And right now, we're facing two major challenges. One involves Will and the other is deeply personal as well as hurtful to Chip and me. This is all WAY more than I can bear! This is straight up spiritual warfare and I'm tired from it. My family continues to be attacked. There are many days when I feel like I cannot go on for one more second. Life just feels too hard!
Can you relate???
Can I get an AMEN?!?!?
But you know what? God has and is using every one of these things.
Every single one of them.
When I do not have the strength, I have learned to rely on HIS strength.
When I cannot take one more step, I have learned to let HIM carry me.
These lessons have not come easy and I am still learning so many things. Complete surrender is so very hard and I don't know if I'll ever truly get there. It is a process that will last the rest of my life.
I've experienced some really dark moments. I have found myself on my knees (and sometimes on my face) crying out to God to please take it all way. I've asked "why" more times than I can count. I've been frustrated with God and I've been truly mad at HIM. My struggles have been really, really ugly sometimes.
But HE is growing me through all this mess.
And this growth would not be possible without the mess.
And I think God wants it to be more than I can bear. HE wants me to completely depend on HIM. HE wants me to rely fully on HIS strength, not my own. HE wants to carry me through this. God never intended for me to do this alone. Not for one single second.
And I am so incredibly grateful.
My life is more than I can bear.
And, God is so much bigger than all of it.
ALL OF IT.
God. Is. Enough.
Thank you Lord for your unending grace and compassion.
Thank you that your love never fails!
So yes, somebody lied.
I believe God will give you more than you can handle.
Then HE will meet you there -
to love you
to grow you
to use you for HIS glory.
It's ugly yet beautiful and it is terrifyingly glorious.
Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.~Psalm 55:22
