While thumbing through a catalog called "The Country House" today, I saw a plaque that made me think back to a conversation I had some time ago while hosting a women's fellowship event at my house.
The discussion grew deeper after our group enjoyed dessert together. (There's something about chocolate that does that, isn't there?) One of the ladies, feeling discouraged, said something like, "I've always heard that 'God never gives us more than we can handle.' But, I feel like I've been given way more than I can handle. Where's God for me?"
Dear friends, that is what I call "bumper sticker theology." God's Word has not promised us ease. Here's just one example from Paul's life, as he was contemplating his own "thorn in the flesh:"
2 Corinthians 12:9-10: "But he (God) said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Today, if you're feeling discouraged, I challenge you to feel delighted. It's a hard shift in thinking, but in my own life, I've found contentment to be a matter of faith, not of circumstances.
Maybe you're thinking, "easier said than done."
Tell me, what's easy about worrying? What's easy about depression? What's easy about sin? What's easy about bad habits? What's easy about feeling stuck? What's easy about guilt, shame and misplaced blame? What's easy about trying to handle it all by yourself? What, dear friend, is easy about faithlessness?
No, faith is much "easier." I've lived both ways, so I can talk to you gently as one who's been there and done that.
So, maybe we should replace that old bumper sticker slogan with a saying on a plaque from "The Country House."
"God DOESN'T give us what we can handle; God helps us handle what we are given."
Stop trying to figure out why you are where you are. Stop trying to discern the reasoning behind God's plans and purposes. Stop trying to figure out who's at fault.
Start resting in God' precious promises. Start believing that God loves you. Start connecting with a church family who can hold you accountable, lift you up and share life with you.
You are the apple of his eye. Cast your cares on him, for he cares for you.
"I can do all things THROUGH Christ, who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13
I'd love for you to add more scripture or your own thoughts as comments to encourage others if you'd like.
Happy Home Schooling,
Mrs. Sherry
Copyright 2007, Sherry Fiscella
