TOD 02.12.08

Have you ever heard the expression, “God will never permit you to receive more troubles than you can bear?” It sounds nice, but, like most theology that sounds nice, it’s not true. In fact, God not only allows us such burdens, but sometimes He actually causes them. And the reason is pretty simple once you think about our possible reactions to such difficulty.

One, we can try to handle it by ourselves and get crushed in the process. Not a great idea. Two, we can take it to God and develop a deeper faith with Him. This sounds right, but I think it’s still missing something fundamental. Three, we can let others share our burdens with us, spreading out the load and strengthening our fellowship with them. See, people are one of God’s primary mechanisms for meeting our needs, and one He prefers because it allows all involved to benefit greatly.

So, does God give us more than we can bear? Sure. But He never gives us more than we can bear with the help of Him and His earthly instruments.
Posted by at

1 comment:

Stan said...

I would hope that I was a little more cautious with what I deny. The concept that God doesn't give us more than we can bear comes from this:

No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it (1 Cor. 10:13).

While it may agree with your final conclusion, it also agrees with the original concept. It says He will "provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it," which suggests that the original concept is accurate, if incomplete.

February 12, 2008 at 6:37 AM

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)