Thursday, September 19, 2013

What If???


     This is probably deeper than I should get with some, but I’ve been pondering the phrase “God won’t give you more than you can handle” for some time now.  What if this is not the case?  Maybe God doesn’t give us these things, but what if this world gives us more than we can bear at times: temptation, depression/anxiety, addictions, insecurities, death, overwhelmingly busy schedules, financial burdens...whatever it may be?  What if, in these moments, we realize we need saving?  That we need a rescuer to come down and scoop us up so we can handle the things this world can bring.  What if some of us need those rock bottom moments so we can humbly realize we’re not in control?  To remind us that God is sovereign and He promises us His healing hand.  And that He will carry our burdens and hardships by giving us an inner strength like no other: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives”. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” John 14:27.  What if it’s necessary for some of us to receive more than we can deal with just so we can cling to Him knowing we can’t do it alone?  What if we need something heavy to jolt us, to wake us up from our “content coma”, to help us get our focus back on Him?  It’s so uncomfortable though, I know. But, what if getting us out of our comfort zone is our saving grace?  Most of the time, I gain strength and spiritual peace in my weaknesses. Some of you may too.  I can definitely relate to Paul in the New Testament:

Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he 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. 10 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. 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

      The Bible study I’ve recently started attending has challenged me with this question: have I realized I need a Savior? In this season of life I can honestly answer, “yes” to this question. I desperately need Him in my current circumstance.  The times when I’m complacent or everything’s going just as it should…not so much. This is when I can potentially start to stray from Him the most.  The realization that I need a Savior is crucial in my understanding of Christ and essential in my walk with Him.  It’s easy to say I believe in Christ, of course.  But, until I actually grasp why He came to earth for me, why He died for me and why He resurrected for me, it won’t change my perspective or my heart. This is where I'll find my rest...in Him.  I'll find a Savior.  It definitely becomes more personal, right?