TODAY’S INSPIRATION: CAN YOU BEAR IT?

Do you sometimes feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders? Some say that God never gives us more than we can bear. When someone is facing emotional, physical, or experiencing an overwhelming situation, we may say this to them in hopes it will bring them comfort. I have been guilty. However, I have come to realize that when we make this statement, we are actually saying that it is God who puts trouble in our lives. This is not biblical. What the Bible teaches us is that God is a loving Father who has plans for our good, and not to harm us. From the very beginning the devil has been the reason for suffering  and he still is today in this fallen sinful world. Sometimes we can bring trouble on ourselves as well. The truth is life is not always fair, but God is always good.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10)

“Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens.” (James 1:17)

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

“’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

There is a scripture on temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13) which states God will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear. God is faithful and when we are tempted, He will provide a way out. This scripture refers to temptation, not so much the troubles of the world. It is referring to our fight against flesh that tempts us to lie, steal, cheat, murder, or any of the things that are not pleasing to God. This scripture is telling us that God always makes a way for us to escape temptation.

“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)

“When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone.” (James 1:13)

In the Bible, you will see that walking with God was no picnic. Abraham left his home country for another land not knowing where he was going. Moses was given the assignment of telling a hard-hearted Pharaoh to let God’s people go. Jonah was given the responsibility of preaching to Nineveh. Paul was an Apostle to the Gentiles knowing that he would suffer terrible things for the cause of Christ. And let us not forget that Jesus, who was sinless, was given the most difficult assignment of all, bearing the sins of the world. It is no different today for those who choose to follow Christ. There are times when we will experience more than we can bear ourselves, but how wonderful that our God is always here for us! Our deliverer, our healer, our comforter, and our light in the darkness, that is who Jesus Christ is! How wonderful that He lives within us and in times of trouble, He is always on time! We must trust that even if we can’t handle it, that God can. We can give all our burdens to Him, trusting that He is in control and nothing comes as a surprise to Him. He has already worked it out, and it’s already alright! He will equip us with everything we need to fulfill His purpose for our lives. God gets the glory and we get the victory!

“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:” (Colossians 2:6)

Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him.” (1 Corinthians 7:17)

“I can do all things through Christ which strengthened me.” (Philippians 4:11-13)

“We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.” (2 Corinthians 1:8-11)

At times, your life may seem out of control and you may feel overwhelmed. Our walk with God will come with difficulties, challenging assignments, and the enemies tricks, but we must discipline ourselves for the purposes of God. It is important that we stay connected and obedient to God. When we surrender ourselves to the will of God and focus on His Word instead of the world, we will find the life that God wants for us. God’s desire is for us to stay close to Him, to depend on Him, to lean on Him moment by moment, day by day. Don’t allow the enemy to trick you into thinking you can’t take it anymore and give up. Because what you can’t take, God can! He already has made a way, we have to trust, pray, fast, and sometimes just stand on faith, allowing God to be God! It is God’s strength and His grace that enables us to get through anything that life may throw at us. We can do all things through Him. We can do nothing without Him. We all have a purpose and God will give assignments that in our own strength are difficult. Mostly because the enemy is always working to stop God’s plans. We must remember though that the enemy cannot stop God’s plans and God will equip us with whatever we need to accomplish it!

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” (Isaiah 43:2)

Love and Blessings…