Have you ever said something like, “I don’t know how much more of this I can take?” You are not alone. Here’s what the Bible says…
1 Corinthians 10:13
“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
Everybody has bad days. It’s an expected part of life.
What if those bad days start to pile up? How do you respond when your load gets heavier week by week as trials keep coming with no end in sight?
Or what if you have an unthinkable tragedy invade your life. You thought you were ready for anything… but not this!
Have you ever said something like, “I don’t know how much more of this I can take?” You are not alone. Here’s what the Bible says…. Share on XBoth of those scenarios are a reality. Don’t think it won’t happen to you.
How you respond when you feel overwhelmed and wonder if you can go on will determine your longevity in God’s will. So many people jump out of the frying pan into the fire when things get tough. Their situation goes from bad to worse because they make foolish decisions under pressure.
Before we answer main question in this article, let’s consider a few things.
You Will Face Trials Bigger Than You
Sometimes that will be one huge event while other times it might an accumulation of many little things that pile up. At times, you will face them both at the same time.
Here’s my testimony from this week.
I live a pretty stressful life. I’m a husband, father, and pastor. My wife lives bed-bound 95% of the time in the furnace of affliction with constant excruciating pain from several diseases. Our family carries a heavy load in addition to the burdens of normal life and Christian ministry. I won’t bore you with the daily details in this article.
This past Wednesday made me ask the question, “How much can one person take before they break?”
Here’s an entry from my personal journal written Wednesday night.
That may not seem like a lot for you, but for me on that day it was a lot…
This article is birthed from the pain of that day. If I feel this way at times, how many more people ask the same questions?
I pull back the curtain on a bad day, not as a plea for pity, but for a reminder that we all have terrible days. (I’m sure someone will criticize my humanity and openness. I choose to love the haters.) Everybody will face tragic situations, terrible trials, life-altering affliction, moments of doubt, etc.
Settle in your heart that terrible days will come. Know it and choose now that you will trust God on your worst days. Think of this knowledge like insurance. You prepare for tragedy, but you don’t live in fear.
When you are hurting, you will be more sensitive to everything. Don’t be a drama queen. Ask God to help you remain even in your dealings with people.
Don’t be discouraged when others praise God for their good days. Usually, we don’t publicize our worst days, neither should we. Don’t be one of those who negatively emote on social media for all to see. Rather, talk to God and your confidants privately about your anger, worry, doubt, and fear.
Here is another trap you can avoid. Do not compare yourself while struggling to others who are doing well at the moment. That is a falsehood. Satan will work you over with feelings of inequity. Relate your worst days to other people’s worst days and you will find that you are not alone!
You Will Wonder If You Can Make It
God will never give you more than you can handle, but He will make you wonder sometimes. Share on XWe are not good judges of our limitations. That’s why coaches and trainers help us accomplish what we never could on our own.
The weightlifting coach who tells you to do two more reps when you think you can’t, sees your potential. The coach that demands you do it better and faster when you think you’ve maxed out your potential pushes you far past your quitting place. They propel you past your preconceived limits. They see your ability without the cloud of pain and doubt.
Our gracious God allows trials in our lives that we feel are greater than our strength and wisdom. Yet, He knows that we can accomplish so much more than we think we can.
Not only can you make it through your current trials, you will be the better for them.
1 Peter 5:10
“But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.”
Others Have Survived Similar Trials
Satan wants you to feel like you are the only one who has it so bad. He lies to convince you that no sane person would expect you to continue under the present circumstances. “It’s only logical that you quit,” the tempter whispers in your ear. Don’t listen to his lies.
Your situation is not new. Countless other people in different places and times have survived similar trials. Some have conquered much worse. But for the mercy of God, your situation could always be worse.
Often, I think of those who have it worse than I do. I pray for them, feel for them. I am glad that I don’t have the burdens they carry.
The next time you are having a pity party go to your local child’s cancer hospital or NICU. Your perspective will change quickly!
You are not alone.
You can make it.
God Is Faithful
Oh, yes, my friend! I get excited when I remember the faithfulness of God!
I have failed Him countless times, but He has never failed me! He never will fail me. He is incapable of failing! I agree with Brother Job…
Job 13:15
“Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: But I will maintain mine own ways before him.”
Trust Him even when it feels like you are dying! When the dust clears you will realize that He is still faithful.
Our future is in good hands. We may not see it or understand it now, but we can trust God to work it all out.
God Will Make Sure You Can Bear Any Temptation He Allows when…
you turn to Him.
Often, people only apply this verse to the temptations of sin. While that is true, you must consider that sin doesn’t occur in a vacuum. Satan works in our lives in manifold ways to get us in a position of weakness.
I believe this verse applies to any trial of life. The core truths remain regardless of your circumstances.
God will provide what you need in order for you to remain faithful until you see Him. Whether you die of old age or of a “premature” tragic death, you can handle whatever comes your way if you keep trusting God.
Conclusion
So, how much can a person take before they break? Here’s your answer…
You Can Take Whatever God Allows Into Your Life If You Turn To Him
Nothing comes to you that didn’t come through Him. You belong to Him through salvation in Jesus Christ. He will protect, lead, guide, and feed you as His child.
He promised to never leave or forsake you.
He will make you strong in weakness.
He will offer you wisdom in confusion.
He will supply you hope in despair.
He will create a way where there is no way.
And if after all of your suffering you die, He is the Resurrection and the Life!
He is sufficient!
These words, originally written for Israel, are part of your spiritual inheritance.
Rest in the goodness of God. Keep your eyes on Him. You will not only survive this trial, but you will come forth as gold. Share on XIsaiah 43:1–5
“But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, And he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: When thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; Neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
For I am the Lord thy God, The Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.
Since thou wast precious in my sight, Thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: Therefore will I give men for thee, And people for thy life.
Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, And gather thee from the west;”
Job 23:10
“But he knoweth the way that I take: When he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.”