tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5589141064157449530.post4972163028113998181..comments2023-04-19T13:24:08.734-07:00Comments on rainbows & earthquakes: Handle itKaren Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15605284448010106227noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5589141064157449530.post-70311783628906580692010-01-20T21:07:55.749-08:002010-01-20T21:07:55.749-08:00That's one of those cliches that I have come t...That's one of those cliches that I have come to challenge when I hear it. I think people base it on the verse in 1 Corinthians 10:13 talking about God not allowing us to be tempted above what we are able to bear, but applying it to physical suffering is not really a very good interpretation of it. I think the verse is talking about the temptation to sin.<br /><br />I have sometimes replied that I think God actually does gives us more than we can handle so that we will understand that we are not in control of all things, and that we are but human beings, weak in ourselves. In my own life, I have tried to respond to the circumstances which were beyond my ability to handle as an opportunity to cast myself on Him in surrender, and to express my trust in Him, knowing that I am helpless to do anything to change some things about my situation. And I still fail at times to do that, exposing my weakness in that area (but I AM learning). <br /><br />At my age I have come to understand myself well enough to know that if God hadn't allowed certain undesirable circumstances in my life I would be a very shallow, selfish and proud person (more so than I am now, anyways). He has used these things to show me where my own weaknesses lie. He knows what is required to conform me into the image of His Son, and since I have made the commitment to follow Him, this gives Him the permission allow whatever it will take to accomplish this in my life.<br /><br />I think God ALLOWS us to go through more than we can handle so that we will cast ourselves on Him. He doesn't allow these things because He wants to destroy us, but rather to test and purify us. BUT that doesn't mean that there are some days I want to yell out, "will you quit purifying me already!!". <br /><br />I am reminded of Job's situation and the response of his friends which really were not helpful to him. And yet Job ended up saying, "though He slay me, yet will I trust Him" and "when He hath tried me I shall come forth as gold." These are not words verses we should use in passing when someone is suffering and in need of comfort, but rather we can use them to comfort and reassure ourselves in times of adversity, and as an expression of our faith in Him. <br /><br />People mean well when they say some of these things, but then again, maybe people who are suffering can help educate those who are not by challenging some of these cliches and explaining some of these things to them. When faced with these types of statements I try to make that a part of my testimony about what God is teaching me through the suffering. <br /><br />Another way I have tried to look at it is that being honest with people about my pain, my weaknesses and vulnerabilities, my inability to "handle" things allows them the opportunity to put into practice gifts God has given them within the body of Christ to minister to me in my time of need. Do they always come through, no, but it could end up being a learning experience for them too.<br /><br />With all that being said, (sorry for rambling on), I send you my hugs and prayers. Wish I could do more for you. Thank you for sharing this. It is important to share these things with others who know little about it. We are commanded to bear one another's burdens, to weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice. We cannot do that for each other if we are not honest about our joys and struggles.<br /><br />So happy for you to hear that Joel's hearing test was good and that Steve has a regular job again.<br /><br />Blessings to you and yours!Bonniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14759046906140927612noreply@blogger.com