Will God ever allow His people to experience hardship, danger, or suffering as they work for Him?
Quite possibly.
Let's face it, He can put His people into some very tough places. Surrounded with a whole host of unlovely things. Unlovely people. Getting right in there to make a difference, to bring them hope.
It can - and will - be difficult.
People usually like to comfort themselves with the comment that “...God won’t give you more than you can handle."
Well, let's unpack that for a bit. Firstly, the Bible doesn't mention that at all. The nearest we get to this is a quotation came from 1 Corinthians 10:13, “When you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it” (NIV).
However, the context of these words is related to temptation. We can’t choose a way out of danger or suffering.
It's a platitude, a bit like "it'll be all right". It's a phrase designed to make people feel better.
I am reminded that Jesus prayed earnestly for a way out of His suffering. Here's what He said to His disciples: "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me." And then He said, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will." (Matt. 26:38-39).
Yet He willingly went through this for us, for our salvation.
When life seems too much to bear, that’s when we can throw ourselves on God’s mercy, and He holds on to us. God is with us every step of the way. And God will provide us the strength to make it through.
Because sometimes life does throw at us more than we can handle.
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