Monday, February 5, 2012 - Greater Than Who Can Bear

"Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, 

for I am gentle and humble in heart, 

and you will find rest for your souls." 

Matthew 11:29

     I'm no Bible scholar but there's a saying even among Christians that I can't find support for in the Bible.  When the darkest, heaviest trials come our way, someone invariably says, "God won't give us more than we can bear." Yes, He does and He does it on purpose and with purpose.  I find proof time and again God laid on His servants tasks and missions over their heads, beyond their abilities, surpassing their understanding. The verse that's been rephrased to the point of misunderstanding is 1 Corinthians 10:13 which says God won't let us be tempted beyond what we can endure because He'll always provide a way for us to escape the temptation.



New International Version (NIV)
"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

Today's New International Version (TNIV)

"No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to us all. 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."

King James Version (KJV)

"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."  

We're right to feel we can't handle "what's on the agenda" today; God designed with weaknesses to drive us into His arms and answers.  He didn't leave those biblical big leaguers of faith to part the ocean, walk on water, sacrifice the one dearest to their hearts, battle Philistines, bring fire down from heaven, heal the sick, face persecution and death, or even pay their taxes on their own.  Each looming burden was an invitation to trust Him. Nothing has changed.  Our next big hurdle is simply His invitation to take His yoke on our necks and walk with Him.  He'll be the Strength and Direction and we provide the faith. 


Lord,  We can't handle squat but we love to pretend we can. Thank You for keeping us off the control board and for using burdens to chase us to Your Loving Arms.   Help us give up our self-directed searches sooner and get on board with You under Your gentle yoke.  Help our faith in the little things so we're growing toward trusting You in the big trials when they come.
In the Name of Jesus Who shares our yoke and carries our burdens