How Much?

We have troubles all around us, but we are not defeated. We often don’t know what to do, but we don’t give up. We are persecuted, but God does not leave us. We are hurt sometimes, but we are not destroyed. So we constantly experience the death of Jesus in our own bodies, but this is so that the life of Jesus can also be seen in our bodies. 2 Corinthians 4:8-10

How much can you take? The best of us have a tipping point where we buckle, and can’t handle things like we normally would. Even well trained soldiers have a physical limit of endurance, and reach the point that changes their strength. Paul makes a good point here when he acknowledges that he and we, have real troubles, but are not defeated, so don’t give up, God doesn’t leave, and is not destroyed. Paul had many reasons to think he and we are not up to the task. He reminds us that in everything we suffer “Jesus can also be seen in our bodies”.

Take heart because God will not allow you to suffer temptation more than you can bear. We are talking about our Christian faith life now. There is no temptation, none, that He will not get us through and help us to escape and endure. I don’t know about you, but I find it a great comfort that God puts a limit on the devil’s schemes and temptations in my life. It’s as He said to Job about the waves (of temptation too), ‘this far and no farther’ satan. Amen to that thought.  

The only temptations that you have are the same temptations that all people have. But you can trust God. He will not let you be tempted more than you can bear. But when you are tempted, God will also give you a way to escape that temptation. Then you will be able to endure it.

1 Corinthians 10:13