Trials in Life, Avoiding Scripture Ninjas, and How God WILL Give Us More Than We Can Handle

I read this blog post today, called "God Will Give You More Than You Can Handle: I Guarantee It". It's about suffering and trial and a misunderstanding of Scripture.

It really sparked some thoughts I want to share. Make some time to read this blog linked to above and think through it when you can. Very true words here for those of you who are suffering.

Often, well meaning but misguided Christians remind suffering folks that "you won't be given more than you can handle". Many times they unintentionally but flippantly "throw" bible verses at us when we're hurting. I like to think of them as "Scripture Ninjas". These people likely have not walked through painful seasons of trial in their lives. They don't mean to offend and likely don't realize they're offering a band-aid to a hemorrhaging soul. In a way, I'm glad for them, if they haven't had to hurt in that deep way.

But for those of us who ARE or who HAVE faced truly painful, ongoing trials, the author here correctly point out that He often gives us more than we can handle. We need to do all we can to give those burdens to the Lord and ask Him (and others who love us) to help us carry the load until the trial has ended. If you or your family is in a season of trial as well, let this remind you that you are NOT alone. He is here to carry this burden alongside you. Others around you (even if you don't know it) are also suffering and share the knowledge of going through trials.

I heard a great quote the other day:

"God won't protect us from anything that will ultimately make us ore like Jesus."

Fellow believers, if you're not facing such a trial, do your part to encourage others when they are burdened and suffering. If you can't relate or don't have words, remain silent and don't try to "fix" the person's hurt. Often a smile or a hug, or just your presence, are all that is required.

And for those who are struggling, burdened, suffering, and feel like God has slain them in their season of trial - God will never leave you or forsake You. Ask him over and over to remove your burden, doing your best to trust His purposes for your life.

May we all come out more refined on the other side.

Christmas is Broken

Christmas is broken
It's a holiday fail
The reindeer got mad cow
And Santa's in jail
 
Let's call on our Savior
For healing we'll pray
So we can all wish Him
A Merry Birthday

Take

TAKE

What did it take to turn your cheek
When all around pronounced you weak?

What did it take to let them rip
Your back to shreds whip after whip?

What did it take to offer grace
When utter fools spat in your face?

What did it take to love the man
Who pounded nails into your hands?

What did it take to hang there nude
Upon a cross for all to view?

What did it take to offer prayer
Forgiving those who placed you there?

What will it take to make me see
That my sins put you on that tree? 

Who or What Do You Really Worship?

If you are a follower of Jesus, who or what would you say your daily actions show that you worship most?

At Alethia today they talked about how we were made to worship something by design.

I'll be honest and share that I struggle most days to truly worship God by my actions. I'm more gifted at worshiping ME. No, I don't have an altar set up with pictures of me that I bow before - nothing that obvious. But my actions often show I'm focused more on pleasing me than loving God by sacrificing  my free time to serve my wife, my children, or others. When I have free time it often becomes me-time.

That's not always bad as we all need time to ourselves. But God reminded me this morning I need to improve by practicing denying myself. Fore that means the discipline of looking outside myself by giving more of my time and my heart, my energy to my wife and children, loving them better, giving them more of me.

What ways do you need to learn to worship God better by worshiping someone or something less?

What plan will you put into place to improve on the days and weeks to come?

Head Held High

To dream, perchance to sleep
Knowin' what to keep
Is half the battle
I surely can't despise
The eternity found in your eyes
Keep your heart pure
and your head held high
The Man's got a plan
& this ain't goodbye
Its just a matter of time
Before the sunrise finds us again

The Purpose of Your Life on a Starbucks Cup!

Hopeful Fall Approaching

Late night

Summer nears its end

Whispers of fall around the bend

Sense of hope approaching

Changes rising higher

Embers of anticipation spark faith into fire