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1 Corinthians 10:13b – God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. (NLT)
My arms were full, and I didn't know whether or not I could make it to the car.
At 14 years of age, I began my first real job: bagging groceries at the local Piggly Wiggly® grocery store. Though I had helped my grandfather on the ice cream truck for several years, this job initiated me into the real work world. In addition to bagging the groceries, we carried them to the customers' cars. Most customers bought enough groceries that we needed a buggy to transport them, but occasionally, a customer would have only a couple of bags. Trying to impress them and whomever else, I attempted to carry them. Today, bags are plastic and have handles, and that wouldn't be an issue, but back then, it was. Bags were paper and had no handles. A shifting of the contents in the bags might mean groceries spilled and got damaged.
When someone is going through a difficult period or even a series of unfavourable circumstances, I've heard numerous believers say, "God won't put any more on you than you can handle." It's another one of those statements that we've formulated to comfort and encourage. Perhaps it does, but the problem is that it can't be supported biblically.
Though I don't know where the saying originated, it may be based in part on Paul's statement that God won't allow us to be tempted to the point that we have to give in. But difficult circumstances and temptations are not necessarily identical.
In reality, God will put more on us than we can stand — and He has a reason. I, like most, tend to think that I can handle life myself, just as I thought that I could handle the grocery bags. Trying to manoeuver through life without help from anyone else — particularly God — is foolishness. When God allows more into my life than I can handle on my own, it forces me to turn to Him, which is what I should have done in the first place.
God wants to be our burden bearer. He will give wisdom and courage for every situation that we face.
Let us allow God give us strength to face each life situation.
Prayer: Father, we thank You that we can depend on You to guide us through every circumstance of life. Amen.
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A good theology lesson…. thank you.
(Texas)
This one is one for the books and am passing it on for our children’s books too. Thank you, Martin.
Dear Martin,
Thank you for the reminder.
Thank you, Martin.
Every blessing on your day.
Martin,
Good analogy to see ourselves and God in a new light. Thanks and blessings.
Good lesson Martin. In other words, God will not give us anything He wouldn’t help us handle! Blessings.
Amen and Amen, Martin. May we always go to God through Christ Jesus first. Thanks for sharing this devotional reminder. Blessings.
Wise words indeed
And comforting too!
Thank you.
Hi Martin,
Yes, indeed, sometimes we are overwhelmed, but we do get strength from the Lord.
Blessings.
Thank you for today’s devotion. This is the first time I have had a better understanding and a truthful understanding to the regular comments that God will never give you more than you can handle.
Your thought gives me more hope for a better life in Christ.
Thank you, Martin, for this “dig deeper” devotional. The text is a great promise of God’s faithfulness, but as you point out, it brings us back to Him, rather than allows us to go forward in our own confidence. And therein lies His faithfulness.
Blessings on your day!
Thank you so much Martin. I really appreciate each one of your devotionals. Your writing is down to earth, in a quiet way that we folks mostly can accept and understand. I have just forwarded your note to my adult daughter who has always felt it was pathetic to need God in life. “Just a crutch, I need to stand up by myself.” How I hope she will read it and hear it. Thank you.
Amen Martin. I think perhaps that statement may have come from Philippians… l can do all things through Christ who strengthens me… which goes full circle back to what you have written. He allows us these burdens which we cannot do in our own strength that we may turn to Him and His.
Blessings.
Dear Martin!
I hear you! We are hidden in Jesus our Lord in all circumstances that pour our way. In the depth of His love we are safe! Covered with His hand as the music for today says. Transformed to His brightness to meet Him to shouts of Alleluia!
Amen to your prayer! God bless!
Good Morning Martin, and Blessings for this day.
I read and share more than one Devotional every day, and today yours was the second one. One of your assertions troubles me. You say that “God won’t put any more burdens on you than you can handle.” Cannot be proven Biblically.
My prayers along with many others were answered. God is fair and just – He may try us sorely, but He will not kill His own!
Keep the faith – there is no better way.
Thank you!! I do so look forward to your articles.
(Fl)
Dear Martin, I have to agree with you. We certainly have to include God into every part of our daily life. Especially when we feel that the burden we have to carry is too heavy. Once again, good outlook.