I have had a couple of 'overwhelmed' moments recently. Some of them have been in little things and big things. I have experienced that feeling of 'I can't deal with this'... 'I'm tired out'... 'God please make it stop!' And I have a feeling some of you might have even dealt with stronger feelings as you grappled with complex things that are not how they should be or could be or how you want them to be and it can be in more than one area of life.
I am beginning to rant on and on and finish my words so I'll get to the point! Did you know that Paul- the big time spiritual guru in the Bible felt that way?! Hmmm....
2 Corr 1:8-9 For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death.
The guy even as if wanted to die!!! I am sure he had good reason for his feelings. The truth is that life happens. Stuff does not always go right even when you do everything 'right'. Joseph did no wrong but found himself at the bottom of a pit his brothers had thrown him into, then he was sold off as a slave(like seriously?) and even when he did that work real well and turned down the Mrs who wanted to sleep with him, he ended up in jail! Yup.. stuff happens. But there is a 'but'... there is always a 'but'...
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, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.. 1 corr 10:13
I have been encouraged that even though I feel stretched out, God enables me to handle. He believes in me and knows that even in my weakness, I am strong. Even for Paul who despaired, he concludes with a 'but' (remember I told you there is always a 'but')
But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. 2 Corr 1: 9b
Did I mention that the semester is still going on? Yup.. I have six assignments due next week :-) Gotta go! All the best as you fight your battles this week. God be with you- and me too!
P.S This song blessed me today
Thanx Grace...Its a nice one.
ReplyDeleteFor thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness. For by thee I have run through a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall. Ps 18:28-29 KJV. Look it up in NIV...It has blessed for these times
Thanks Job. I do loooove those verses! Even have them printed out in huge font!
DeleteBeen listening a lot to Brave on my 10 hour drives and have used is as the signature tune for our Global Leadership Summit this year.
ReplyDeleteSPOT ON!!
ReplyDeleteAaawww; so beautifully written Grace. I realized recently that even a man of gynomous faith like Elijah had moments of doubt (Like in 1 Kings 19). The beauty is that even tho we'r human and our stand waivers from time to time; God's Grace is unchanging.
ReplyDeleteYeah.. bambi God is sooo gracious!
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