Myth: God won’t give us
more than we can handle.
Truth: God won’t give
us more than HE can handle.
Yes,
we should cling to 1 Corinthians 10:13 (“No temptation has overtaken you that is not
common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your
ability…”) when it comes to temptation to sin. Where
we are mistaken, and where the myth steers us wrong, is that this verse does
not speak to the dependence-creating circumstances that break over us today.
If
you are in a circumstance that is more than you can handle, do you know that it
is possible to walk forward and not be shaken
(Psalm 62:6)? Trouble in this world is guaranteed, but as children of God we
have some unique benefits when the waters rise. And friend, I can’t say that I
know your particular trouble today, but l do know about King Jehoshaphat when he was on the hit
list of a few ruthless nations, and having been cornered by them, he cried out
to the Lord, “We are powerless against this great horde that is coming
against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” (2 Chronicles 20:12)
Or how about when the Assyrian army was closing
in on the nation of Judah and King Hezekiah cried out, “O Lord, the God of Israel, enthroned
above the cherubim, you are the God, you alone, of all the kingdoms of the
earth; you have made heaven and earth.
Incline your ear…” (2 Kings 19:15-16)
Or when Stephen,
before he was stoned to death, looked up and “gazed into heaven and
saw the glory of God…” (Acts 7:55)
Do you see
the benefit in each of these historical accounts of trouble? In one word, these men have: ACCESS. Not access to a doctor who can prescribe
something to take the edge off of their circumstance. Not access to a psychiatrist who can help
them process their circumstance. Not
access to a friend who can comfort them in the circumstance. Access to God. The Author of the circumstance.
You
have this access today! And if you don’t, you can. This access is for idiots
like me! Anyone can get in on it! Simply throw your life on the saving work of
this Author for you – the life, death, and resurrection of His Son Jesus. And
then in the middle of the raging storm, if we truly believe the Guy sleeping in
the boat controls the same wind and waves that are tossing us about, we can
stand secure! We can sing “Hallelujah,
our God reigns,” in the middle of the stormy night because the darkness is as
light to Him (Psalm 139) and He is holding all
things together by the Word of His power (Hebrews 1:3).
It
is also good to remember today that the One writing your story is GOOD. That He
is FOR you. He isn’t mad at you. He isn’t trying to rip you off. His love for you is immeasurable. He WILL take care of you. He will not leave you. “In all
things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according
to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
And as
we start believing that this amazing Writer is good we start singing!
“The LORD is my
strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps
for joy, and with my song I praise him.” (Psalm 28:7)
Take
a moment now to take your eyes off of your circumstance. Look to Him, the
Author and Perfector of your faith. Wait
on Him in His “perfecting” work in your life. He is a shield around you, your glory,
the One who lifts your head high (Psalm 3:3). Remember Him who’s steadfast love
and mercy is right beside you in the middle of all of your crazy today and sing
–
“God I look to You, I won’t be
overwhelmed.”