God Won't Give You More Than You Can Handle?

1 Corinthians 10:13. This verse gets thrown around a lot. Many people use this line to encourage a friend or family member going through a tough situation. And while it’s absolutely essential that we do everything we can to build up and encourage people who are experiencing trials and adversity, we need to make sure that what we encourage them with is the truth; otherwise, we are lying to them.

"God won't give you more than you can handle" gets thrown around a lot. While this phrase sounds very positive and affirming, you will not find it anywhere in the Bible. It simply doesn’t exist. What you will find is a similar verse "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, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." (1 Corinthians 10:13) This often misquoted verse has to do with the level of temptation not the level of struggles.

The truth is: God will not allow us to be tempted beyond our ability to do what is right; however, there are many examples in the Bible, where we see men and women who are given far more than they can handle. God makes it clear that we are not self-sufficient. We cannot just hunker down and power through every situation. Jesus never told anyone, "If you would just try harder, you will get yourself out of this mess." This is the false assurance we give to struggling people when we tell them "You're strong and you can make it through this." We cannot white-knuckle our way through life's storms. We need God.

God is not putting burdens on you to test how strong your are. And likewise, you do not fail the test when you cry out to God for help, or even accept the help from people God sends your way. God indeed loves us very much—so much so that He will not let us try to rely on our own strength, but continue to show us that we must rely on Him to endure suffering and persevere until the end.

Source: Posted by a Facebook Friend 

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To My Friend:

I am so glad you posted this. I have known for a long time that this was not scriptural and have been wanting to write an article about it, but as yet, have not. This says exactly what I would have wanted to say. 

In the past and with my current health issues and family issues there have been times that my knees have buckled and I've fallen from the load. Each time it was only after I cried out to God to either help me carry it or remove it was I able to keep going forward. If He would not give me more than I could handle, why would I ever need His help? 

Now, concerning temptations...yes, I have been tempted to get angry about my situation and I have been tempted with all kinds of other things during this trial, but God has always given me an avenue of escape. He always uses my God-given conscience, but most often, He brings scripture to my mind so I will remember the "right thing" to do or think. 

In all reality, I am thankful that God has given me more than I can handle. I am a very headstrong, self-sufficient, ex-Marine. God had to give me things that I could not control and could not handle myself in order for me to put my complete trust in HIM and His strength and provision. 

Thanks again! This was a much needed message!!

~The Princess Warrior ♔

 

Copyright Information

Copyright © 2012 The Princess Warrior Ministries. All articles are copyrighted on the date they are posted, unless otherwise indicated. All rights reserved. Permission granted for not-for-sale reproduction in exact form including copyright and web address. Other uses require written permission. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture references are taken from the King James Bible.

 

BUT, GOD!

Author: Lacy Scott 
Scripture: Gen 37:22-27 & 50:20
 

Brothers and sisters, each of us have encountered situations where we just felt like throwing in the towel. We felt like the whole world was against us. We felt like no matter what we did things would turn out bad. We’ve often said to ourselves, “No matter what I do, things still won’t change” or we feel that we have gotten so far down that there is nothing that can bring us up. Brothers and sisters I want you to know this evening that this is not so.

Those of us who have a hope in Christ don’t have to feel this way. We have to realize that because we serve a risen Savior, we can live victorious lives. Brothers and sisters I want to talk to you this evening on the subject “but, God”. There are a number of powerful 2-word phrases found in the Word of God. Phrases such as: Healed all; gathered in; cast out; raised up; and pulled down.

Each of these phrases are used in context with the power of God. However, there is one phrase used some 43 times in Scripture that surpasses them all. And that phrase is “BUT, GOD”! This small two-word phrase communicates a tremendous message to all that hear it. It is God’s response to Satan’s challenge! It is the bottom line! It is the last word! It is all over but the shouting!

“But, God”, when viewed in relation to the challenges of life, is what up is to down; what life is to death; what in is to out. “But, God” stands totally opposed to the negative roar of the world. The world says no — “But, God” says yes! The world says can’t — “But, God” says can! The world says won’t: “But, God” says will! The world says stop — “But, God” says go! The world says don’t — “But, God” says do!

The world says defeat — “But, God” says victory! “But, God” climbs the highest mountain; crosses the darkest valley; and sings songs of victory in the midnight hour! “But, God” exclaims, “I’m going to the enemy’s camp and I’ll take back what he stole from me!” “But, God” is courageous, confident and conclusive!” Brothers and sisters you have to realize that I’m speaking to you this evening from God’s perspective! 

Too many times we look at things through our own eyes and can only see failure. “But, God” tells us to look at it as God sees it! Brothers and sisters I’m encouraging you this evening to put your Kingdom glasses on and see things as God sees them! I want you to know it’s not over until God says it’s over! Sometimes when we go to a sporting event or watch it on TV, if our team is not winning as the end draws near we leave before it’s over not knowing that we might see a miraculous ending!

I’ve come to urge you brothers and sisters to stay for the entire game — wait until the last seconds tick off the clock; wait until the “home team” has had its chance! Wait until the last out is made! If you quit too soon, you’ll leave before victory is seen! I want to tell you this evening that the jury may still be out in your situation — all the votes are not in -- the fat lady has not sung — God hasn’t had His final say!

I’m speaking to you this evening on the subject “But, God”! I’m telling you this evening that in that book of miracles we read from everyday, there are many instances where our adversary is confounded and confused. There are stories of his elaborate schemes going wrong, because he failed to realize that God would have the final say! The devil had worked so hard to get everything just right, yet just when he thinks he is victorious, he hears “But, God”!

As we look at our text brothers and sisters we are reminded of the story of Joseph. How he had been humiliated by his brothers and sold into slavery. How he had been slandered by the wife of Potiphar, yet stood steadfast. How he had been forgotten by the chief baker after interpreting his dream, yet was faithful. The life of Joseph is perhaps the best Old Testament example of the accuracy of the verse in Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose”.

The sale of Joseph as a slave was meant for harm by his brothers. The end result was Joseph becoming prime of Egypt, becoming reunited with his family, and saving their lives. Joseph endured many trials and tribulations. Satan had done so many things to him that were meant for bad, “But, God” meant it for good! So many times the devil throws things our way, things that are meant to make us stop trusting God!

Things that are meant to make us feel sorry for ourselves! Things that are meant to make us give up! Things that are meant for bad, “But, God” means them for good! God takes us through things to make us stronger! I don’t know if you realize it or not but among the thorns you generally will find a beautiful rose! Yes Satan means it for bad, “But, God” means it for good! Those times when everything is going well in our lives and then all of a sudden it seems like the bottom falls out remember Satan means it for bad, “But, God”!

Whenever husband and wife seem to be on the opposite sides of the room; Satan means it for bad, “But, God”! When it looks like your children just don’t hear what you say; Children when you think your parents just don’t understand. Yes Satan means it for bad, “But, God” means it for good! Brother pastor, when it seems that the deacons don’t want to work with you and the members refuse to do as you say; Satan means it for bad, “But, God”! All the things that happened to Joseph, to the average man it would have seemed like too much.

I can hear Joseph saying, “My brothers, my own flesh have betrayed me and sold me as a slave. My master’s wife has accused me and caused me to fall out of favor with him and have thrown me in jail. The chief butler, whose dream I interpreted has forgotten me and left me here in this prison”. Yes, to the average man it might have seemed quite bleak. But Joseph knew that no matter what was thrown at him, no matter what was done to him, no matter how Satan attacked, the God he served, would allow him to say “I may be down now, “But, God”!

Brothers and sisters that is the type of attitude that we need in the church today! We need to understand that no matter what we may go through, no matter how bad things might get, no matter how the enemy may attack us, always remember It may look dark now, “But, God”!

You see the devil always tries to bring confusion when there is order. If good things are happening he wants to break it down. The devil thinks he has it all worked out, “But, God”! He Thought He Could Stop the Plan of God! “BUT, GOD”! He Thought He Could Stop the People of God, “BUT, GOD”! All of us used to be just as those in the world! Our lives expressing the evil within us, doing every wicked thing that our passions or our evil thoughts might lead us into! 

Brothers and sisters we started out bad, being born with evil natures, and were under God’s anger just like everyone else! “But, God” is so rich in mercy; he loved us so much that even though we were spiritually dead and doomed by our sins, he gave us back our lives again when he raised Christ from the dead--only by his undeserved favor have we ever been saved and lifted us up from the grave into glory along with Christ, where we sit with him in the heavenly realms--all because of what Christ Jesus did!

Brothers and sisters, I’m just trying to tell you this evening that no matter what the situation, no matter how bad it might look, no matter how bad you have been, no matter whether it is day or night; remember that whatever comes, “But, God”!

My bibles says in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

My brothers and my sisters, Satan says, “such were some of you”, “But, God” says “ye are washed, ye are sanctified, ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God”!

Satan says, “you can’t make it on your own”….“But, God” says, “If I am for you, I am more than the world against you”!

Satan says, “Hold on to all your problems for no one can help you”….“But, God” says, “cast all you cares on me, for I care for you”!

Satan says, “Take the easy way out”…. “But, God” says, “the race is not given to the swift or to the strong but to the one that endureth until the end”!

Satan says that your enemies have you surrounded come out with your hands up”…. “But, God” says, “I’ll make your enemies your footstool”!

Satan says, “There’s nothing else the doctors can do”…. “But, God” says, I can change the diagnosis”!

Satan says, “I will make you a slave to sin”…. “But, God” says, “for God so loved the world that He gave His only Begotten Son”!

Satan says, “I’ll take your Son and hold Him in the Grave”…. “But, God” says, “After three days I will rise again”!

Satan says, “I’ve got Him now”…. “But, God” says, “Death, where’s your sting, grave where’s your victory”?!

Brothers and sisters don’t listen to the lies and disparaging words of our enemy! Realize that God has the final word! See things from the Father’s perspective! Incline your ear and hear “But, God”! Satan says defeat, “but, God” says victory! Satan says disease, “but, God” says healing! Satan says hate, “but, God” says love! Satan says destruction, “But, God” says restoration! Satan says division, “But, God” says unity! Satan says abandonment, “but, God” says redemption!

Brothers and sisters Satan meant it for bad, “But God”! Every time you feel low lift your spirits by thinking, “But God”! Whenever it seems like the devil has his foot holding you down, realize that you can’t beat him, “But God”! If this Old World has gotten you down and you can’t find no way up, remember the phrase, “But God”!

Because no matter what the situation, no matter what the problem, no matter how bad it may be, “But God” can make it better! You see, I could have been:

1. An alcoholic...
2. A drug user...
3. A child abuser...
4. On my deathbed...
5. Out of my mind...
6. Without a roof over my head...
7. Without food to eat...
8. Without money in my pocket...
9. Without a friend...
10. Lost and on my way to Hell...
 

“But God” loved me so much that he saved my soul! He sent His only Son to live and to die as the payment for my sins! And that’s what we have to do is make it personal! He died for you and He died for me! “But God”, early one Sunday morning got up with all power in His hands! He didn’t get up with black power! He didn’t get up with white power! “But God” got up with all power in the palm of His hands! That’s why I can stand here tonight and say, God will take care of you!

We might think that we have it all figured out! We might think that we know what is best! “But God” has a plan for every life in here and all we have to do is seek after His will! The bible says, “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death”.

Brothers and sisters, I just stopped to tell you this evening, that if you follow His ways, if you let Him lead you, if you seek after His will, you will find that there’s nobody else that can do like He can, “But God”! He can open doors that have been shut; he can close doors that no man can open! Nobody else can do that “But God”!

He can give sight to the blind! He can make the lame man walk and the dumb man talk! Nobody else “But God”! “BUT GOD” CAN DO ANYTHING, BUT FAIL! 

Source: http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermons/but-god-lacy-scott-sermon-on-gods-omniscience-82325.asp

Carrots, Eggs, or Coffee: "Which are you?"

Grandmother Says...Carrots, Eggs, or Coffee; "Which are you?"

A young woman went to her grandmother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as when one problem was solved a new one arose.

Her grandmother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed them on the stove. In the first, she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs and the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil without saying a word.

In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her granddaughter, she asked, "Tell me what do you see?"

"Carrots, eggs, and coffee," she replied.

She brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they got soft.

She then asked her to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard-boiled egg.

Finally, she asked her to sip the coffee. The granddaughter smiled, as she tasted its rich aroma. The granddaughter then asked. "What's the point, grandmother?"

Her grandmother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity--boiling water--but each reacted differently.

The carrot went in strong, hard and unrelenting. However after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. 

The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior. But, after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened.

The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water they had changed the water.

"Which are you?" she asked her granddaughter. "When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean?"

Think of this: Which am I?

Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity, do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?

Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and a hardened heart?

Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you.

When the hours are the darkest and trials are their greatest do you elevate to another level? 

~AUTHOR UNKNOWN

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Let's be like Job who said......"But He (God) knoweth the way that I take: when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold." (Job 23:10)

......and remember what Paul said......"For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:15-18)

Copyright Information 

Copyright © 2009 The Princess Warrior Ministries. All articles are copyrighted on the date they are posted, unless otherwise indicated. All rights reserved. Permission granted for not-for-sale reproduction in exact form including copyright and web address. Other uses require written permission. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture references are taken from the King James Bible.

A Life Lesson

One day a farmer's donkey fell down a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do.

Finally, he decided that the donkey was old and the well needed to be covered up anyway; it wasn't worth it to retrieve the donkey.

He invited all his neighbors to come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well.

At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly. Then, to everyone's amazement, he quieted down.

A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down into the well. He was astonished at what he saw. With each shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing; he would shake it off and take a step up.

As the farmer's neighbors continued to shovel dirt on top of the donkey, he would shake it off and take another step up.

Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and happily trotted off!

Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt! The trick to getting out of the well is to shake it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles is a stepping stone - a lesson.

We can get out of the deepest wells by not stopping, never giving up!

Paul was bitten by a viper and he shook it off into the fire - Acts 28:1-5. That is how a trouble or challenge should be handled, shake it off. For how long are you going to blame yourself or someone else for your troubles? Shake that off. There is a season of moaning and a season of joy, you cannot afford to be moaning all your life, shake that off, think positive, think God. 

Jesus is ready to take over your burden of sorrow and disappointment and set you free. What you are meditating upon is what will ultimately rule your life. If Paul had dwelt much on the snake bite I tell you he could have died of it. Paul shook off the serpent - the moment you try to comprehend it in your mind the bigger the matter it becomes. Don’t put your effort into analyzing how big your troubles are, shake it off! The only time you should look back should be when you are praising the Lord for what he did in your life.

Every present time you are caught up between your past, please remember this: SHAKE IT OFF!!!!

If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. 

~John 8:36