God I Look To You

Myth: God won’t give us more than we can handle.

Truth: God won’t give us more than HE can handle.  

Yes, we should cling to 1 Corinthians 10:13 (“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability…”) when it comes to temptation to sin. Where we are mistaken, and where the myth steers us wrong, is that this verse does not speak to the dependence-creating circumstances that break over us today.

 

If you are in a circumstance that is more than you can handle, do you know that it is possible to walk forward and not be shaken (Psalm 62:6)? Trouble in this world is guaranteed, but as children of God we have some unique benefits when the waters rise. And friend, I can’t say that I know your particular trouble today, but l do know about King Jehoshaphat when he was on the hit list of a few ruthless nations, and having been cornered by them, he cried out to the Lord, “We are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”  (2 Chronicles 20:12)

 

Or how about when the Assyrian army was closing in on the nation of Judah and King Hezekiah cried out, “O Lord, the God of Israel, enthroned above the cherubim, you are the God, you alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; you have made heaven and earth. Incline your ear…”  (2 Kings 19:15-16)

 

Or when Stephen, before he was stoned to death, looked up and “gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God…” (Acts 7:55)

 

Do you see the benefit in each of these historical accounts of trouble? In one word, these men have: ACCESS. Not access to a doctor who can prescribe something to take the edge off of their circumstance. Not access to a psychiatrist who can help them process their circumstance. Not access to a friend who can comfort them in the circumstance. Access to God. The Author of the circumstance.

 

You have this access today! And if you don’t, you can. This access is for idiots like me! Anyone can get in on it! Simply throw your life on the saving work of this Author for you – the life, death, and resurrection of His Son Jesus. And then in the middle of the raging storm, if we truly believe the Guy sleeping in the boat controls the same wind and waves that are tossing us about, we can stand secure! We can sing “Hallelujah, our God reigns,” in the middle of the stormy night because the darkness is as light to Him (Psalm 139) and He is holding all things together by the Word of His power (Hebrews 1:3).

 

It is also good to remember today that the One writing your story is GOOD. That He is FOR you. He isn’t mad at you. He isn’t trying to rip you off. His love for you is immeasurable. He WILL take care of you. He will not leave you. “In all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

 

And as we start believing that this amazing Writer is good we start singing!

“The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.”  (Psalm 28:7)

Take a moment now to take your eyes off of your circumstance. Look to Him, the Author and Perfector of your faith. Wait on Him in His “perfecting” work in your life. He is a shield around you, your glory, the One who lifts your head high (Psalm 3:3). Remember Him who’s steadfast love and mercy is right beside you in the middle of all of your crazy today and sing –

 

“God I look to You, I won’t be overwhelmed.”