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We all reach points where we know something has to give. When it feels like we're drowning in expectations, we either freeze or look frantically for solutions. In those moments, we may find comfort in hearing, "God doesn't give you more than you can handle." But is that really true? And if we don't succeed, does that mean we've failed God? Jesus calls us to follow where He leads, even when we don't believe we have what it takes. However, He also gives us free will and discretion to analyze our priorities and seek support. The thought of overcoming is most impactful when hardships are out of my control. When I can't make a game plan, I'm hopeful that what doesn't kill me will make me stronger. I push forward, trusting that God will get me out unscathed. However, this backfires when everything doesn't work out "alright," and I wonder if I missed something God wanted me to do. Those frustrations make me realize that seasons of helplessness aren't a sign of faithlessness. I will inevitably reach rock bottom sometimes, and that's okay. There will be pain that won't teach me anything healthy, and I will have to work through that. I will need to ask for help when situations are overwhelming. I can overcome anything through Jesus, but that doesn't mean I will reach a "happily ever after" in this life. Overcoming means knowing God has plans for my good, even when I can't handle what's happening at the time.
"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength." - Philippians 4:12-13
I'm motivated by fresh ideas, but some of my interests are fleeting. Not every opportunity is a test of my faith. Having a bucket list is great, but chasing one thing after the other distracts from my consistent goals. Even if I pray about something and God leads me into it, He may change my priorities in the future. God gives me my passions and gifts, but that doesn't mean He wants me to do it all now. I believe that through God, I can do more than I'll ever imagine, and there are things I won't be able to handle. I have limitations, and faith won't make me superhuman. Faith will help me to learn and grow when I must relinquish a demanding goal.
You may have heard, "If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can move mountains." This inspiring quote is a true statement straight from the Bible. The problem is we often misunderstand its meaning. God is not telling us that we will become powerful wizards if we have real faith. He is telling us how powerful faith is, not that we will have the power to do whatever we want. Faith in Jesus impacts the world in unbelievable ways because it is God moving through us. He knows what will bring us closer to Him, whether it fits with our plans or not.
To sum it up, God doesn't give us anything that's not for our good. There are things we choose that are against His will and things that happen to us because of sin, and He uses all of that for a purpose. God wants us to "handle" it all by trusting in Him and using wisdom to control what we can. We don't have to defeat every obstacle because we weren't created to prove ourselves. We were created to love God and love people. To do that, we need to give our best and admit our vulnerabilities. The weight of it all never rests fully on our shoulders; God is our resting place and the maker of all that’s new in our futures.
Written Content Coordinator at Sun Valley Community Church. An avid writer since the age of 5, who loves to explore new ideas and places. Inspired by Jesus, books, and travel.