Have you ever read the words “God is faithful and will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear” (1 Cor. 10:13), and thought to yourself, something must be out of whack—because what I am going through is unbearable? You look around at others whose life seems to be a lot easier than yours, and try to quiet that accusing inner voice that says “God, why are you doing this to me?”
As impertinent as that question sounds, it's OK to ask, as long as you do it without the attitude! Moses’ complained to God: “Why are you treating me, your servant, so miserably? What did I do to deserve the burden of a people like this … I'd rather you killed me than treat me like this. Please spare me this misery!” (Num. 11:11, 15 NLT). To say something was out of whack with Moses and God is an understatement.
Whenever I feel this way, the Spirit reminds me of Jesus’ promise “My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matt. 11:30), and I say “something must be out of whack, because this burden is too much.” The logical conclusion is that either 1) I am carrying something I’m not supposed to, or 2) God doesn’t expect me to bear it alone. Such was God’s answer to Moses. "Bring me seventy elders of Israel who are known to you as leaders." The 70 would bear the burden of the people; Moses was not to bear it alone. Have you considered the reason your burden seems unbearable is that God does not expect you to carry it alone? Share each other's troubles and problems, and thus fulfill the law of Christ (Gal. 6:2 NLT, NASB). When something's out of whack, it's time for a re-alignment with the Word.
Greg,
ReplyDeleteThere IS something out of whack in our culture that, on one hand, exalts the courage of the individual to face daunting circumstances alone, and on the other hand, encourages others to self-medicate at the experience of any degree of loss.
Is it any wonder that we are so out-of-balance when it comes to facing the pressures we have to encounter in this life? What a wonderful alternative you have reminded us of, Greg, to make sure we surround ourselves with people whose character and experience has been tested and proven because they have gone ahead of us in facing and overcoming life's challenges. They are an integral part of God's abundant provision for His people not to lose heart!
Stan
and it's hard to maintain our balance without constant reminders, from God first, and others.
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