More than we can bear

I don't have the opportunity to go deep into this issue, so I want to refer you to a few other resources, located at the bottom of the page.  

"Well pastor, God won't give me more than I can handle."  I hear these words often.  Unfortunately, I hear them more often as a mantra of self-motivation in times of suffering.  As if "Since God gave me this struggle, I have the ability within myself to overcome it."  We take it as "Buck up, pull yourself up by the boot straps, you can make it!"  

The words so often spoken come from a colloquial misinterpretation of 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, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."  Unfortunately the colloquialism doesn't really match what the text says.  (as a side note - the colloquialism we say "God won't give you more than you can handle" actually matches more closely with the Koran 2:286 than with the 1 Corinthians text.)  

Temptation is different from suffering.  And we do suffer.  And it is difficult.  And if we say we can overcome it, we're taking out one very important part of the equation - Jesus.  Who entered into our world to suffer, who died in fact, promising that we too would suffer, taking up our cross and following him.  But Jesus also promised that we will eventually leave this world of sin to inherit a perfect recreated world through him and him alone.  Its that promise that is our hope.  Forgiveness of sins, life and salvation in Jesus Christ alone.  

So in fact, you will face more than you can handle.  You will grow weak, your body will fail, and you will die, Jesus promises.  And there's nothing you can do about it in the end.  But Jesus has overcome, and Jesus can and has done something about it by his death and resurrection.  And in baptism, you belong to him, and are connected to his victory over suffering and death.  And that's a much better promise than, "You can do it."  

I'd like to point you to an Issues Etc. program from yesterday about this topic from Pastor Larry Peters, CLICK HERE, and then also to an article by Pastor Peters CLICK HERE.  They do a fantastic job addressing this issue.  Let me know if you have any questions, and as always - listen to Issues Etc.  It is a fantastic resource for Lutherans in our modern world.  

Issues, Etc.