GPS-God Never Gives You More Than You Can Handle

25 / Sun – Read 2 Corinthians 1:8-11 / 2 Corinthians 12:8-10

Overview: Live long enough or study history and you know that’s not true. Sometimes there is suffering and pain in life that we can’t handle ourselves. But God can. His power is made perfect in our weakness.

26 / Mon – “God won’t allow more than you can handle”  |  Read John 15:5b / Phil 4:13

This often-quoted statement is found nowhere in the Bible. But it is half right. God will never give you more than you can handle…with His help. Jesus was very clear about that when he said…apart from me, you can do nothing. And Paul found that, in all the hardships and impossible places God led him, he could do all things through Christ, who strengthened him. That promise is for you, too. Are you facing what seems to be more than you can deal with? Have you forgotten to add God into the equation? Change your mindset. See your troubles in the light of HIs greatness. 

27 / Tue – Not qualified, send someone else  |  Read Exodus 3:12 / Deuteronomy 31:8

Moses was one of the princes of Egypt, highly educated and prepared to lead in whatever way the Pharaoh would require. His over-confidence betrayed him to murder. Fear of Pharaoh’s wrath drove him into exile. It was there that God gave him a mission that seemed utterly impossible. Feelings of inadequacy caused him to argue with God, listing his disqualifications. Are there things you are afraid to do because you don’t feel capable? Remember, you are not working alone.

28 / Wed – Know what you need  |  Read 1 Kings 3:5-14

Solomon is another example of someone who felt inadequate. As King David’s son and heir, he was next to lead the Jewish nation. Instead of boasting about his capabilities to rule the kingdom, he was honest with himself and with God. His honesty and humility showed he was trustworthy. As a result, God gifted Solomon with the wisdom he asked for and, in addition, everything else needed to be a good leader.  Will you also be honest with God about what you need to answer His calling?

29 / Thu – Desperate times  |  Read 2 Chronicles 20:1-6, 12 / Romans 8:26

It might be difficult to admit to yourself, and even harder to admit to others, that what you face is beyond your resources. It might be in the physical world. At other times, it is in the spiritual realm. You know you should pray about it, but you don’t even know what to say. Will you be like this king? Define the problem and your inability to deal with it. Will you fix your eyes on Him, allowing the Holy Spirit to pray for you as promised in 6:26? Will you listen to what God says and then obey?

30 / Fri – Joy in the suffering  |  Read 1 Peter 4:12-13 / Roman 8:18 / Hebrews 12:2-3

The world says you should avoid suffering at all costs because it’s not part of the ‘good life.’ It is a sign that something is wrong and you need to fix it so you can be happy. Is that what God says? No one wants to suffer but even Jesus did. He did not consider it significant because he focused on the end result. What suffering in your life seems too much to bear? Can you follow Jesus in looking ahead to the joy that will follow? Ask him to alter your perspective and help you persevere in the midst of it? He understands your suffering and will help you get through it.

31 / Sat – A test  |  Read Job 1:8-11 / 1 Peter 1:6-9

In God’s book, there are many examples of suffering. Sometimes it was earned, but God used it to help turn people to Him. Others, like Job, were a test. Faith becomes rock-solid when life gives you every reason not to believe in God’s goodness, and you have the opportunity to walk away. Do you comprehend how precious that faith under fire is to the Lord? In the midst of suffering, do you hear the Lord asking…do you still love Me? Will you bless Him today by saying…Yes, I still do?