Really? Do you really think this quote is true? If you’ve read the Bible, you know you won’t find this sentiment anywhere.
The reality of life is that it can throw us more challenges than we ever thought possible. Unexpected circumstances can emerge out of nowhere, leaving us feeling overwhelmed, helpless, and even desperate.
The truth is …
- Tackling cancer is a battle that goes beyond what we can handle.
- Caregiving for a mother with Dementia can take a toll on us that is beyond our capacity.
- Dealing with the pain of abuse from a spouse leaves us feeling shattered and powerless.
- The death of a child, spouse, or friend shakes us to our core.
- The heartache of watching a son or daughter turn away from God can be unbearable.
- Going through illness, medical dilemmas, and countless surgeries can drain our strength.
- Israel is being attacked, mutilated, and killed by an evil, soulless enemy – a burden we can never imagine. And the list goes on.
Why does God allow us to endure such sorrow, suffering, and pain? And so, we seem to keep asking the same question: why does God allow these things to happen?
It is so that we don’t rely on ourselves but on God. Paul had been through so much on his missionary journeys, he said …
“Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead.” 2 Corinthians 1:9
Circumstances that surpass our comprehension are designed to draw us closer to God, to lean on Him for strength and guidance – not to throw in the towel and give up. There will be moments in life that push us to the edge of our capabilities, where suffering and pain seem insurmountable. It is so that we can learn to depend on Him, to trust in His infinite power and grace. These challenges remind us that our abilities are limited, but with God by our side, anything is possible.
“Cast your cares upon Me…” I Peter 5:7
Let’s take a closer look at some extraordinary individuals from the Bible and the tremendous challenges they faced. Many of us will never go through these trials in our lifetime, but we can be inspired and moved by their remarkable stories.
Abraham. Exemplifying unyielding faith and dogged determination, we find Abraham, who was called upon to sacrifice his beloved son, forced to confront an unimaginable heartache. Yet he remained resolute, knife in hand, ready to obey God’s command with unwavering trust.
Noah. Consider Noah, who, despite being mocked and ridiculed by countless doubters, pressed forward to construct a magnificent ark with his own family without ever witnessing a single drop of rain. His trust in the face of hatred and scorn exemplifies a true believer’s courage and faith.
Moses. Moses, leading a multitude of his people out of Egyptian slavery, confronted the seemingly insurmountable obstacle of the Red Sea stretching before them. Yet, he didn’t give up in the face of an apparent dead end. Instead, he relied on his unwavering faith that God would make a way where there seemed to be none.
Job. Our hearts ache for Job, whose life was shattered by unfathomable tragedy. Losing his cherished family and witnessing the destruction of everything he owned, he sat on a barren rock, tormented by excruciating sores covering his body. However, in deep despair and despite his friends giving bad advice, he clung to his faith, demonstrating incredible resilience and a profound trust in God’s plan.
Joseph. Unbelievable adversity also befell Joseph, who suffered the heartbreaking betrayal of being sold as a slave by his own brothers. Imprisoned on false charges of rape, he could have easily succumbed to bitterness and despair. But God had other plans for Joseph, and he ultimately rose to become a powerful figure in Egypt.
Jonah. And what about Jonah’s miraculous survival? Swallowed whole by an enormous whale, he dwelled in the belly of the fish, engulfed by darkness and the certainty of impending death. Yet even in the depths of this predicament, he persisted in his trust that God’s divine purpose would prevail.
Paul. And then there’s Paul, who said this….
“Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure.” 2 Corinthians 11: 24-27
These awe-inspiring individuals faced insurmountable trials, yet their unwavering faith and unmatched perseverance guided them through the darkest of valleys. May their extraordinary journeys remind us that, with God by our side, no challenge is too great for us to overcome.
Paul said it best: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
Paul knew where the power and strength comes from; it is our relationship, faith, and trust in God that enables us to face any challenge or obstacle with confidence and perseverance.
For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand;
it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.” Isaiah 41:13