Listen to this devotion
Burdened Beyond Our Strength
In the Word
For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. 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 1:8–9).
Of the Word
Patrick experienced hardship in his life. He was taken into slavery in Ireland, escaped, and, eventually, returned to Ireland as a missionary. The stress and anxiety that Patrick must have felt throughout all these events is almost unimaginable. Willingly returning to the place where he was a captive certainly sounds beyond human strength.
People often say, “The Lord won’t give you more than you can handle.” But, what the Bible actually says is that God will not let you be tempted beyond your ability (1 Corinthians 10:13). This is in no way suggesting that we have the strength to handle everything we may face in life. Christians are often burdened beyond their own strength. Unexpected deaths of loved ones, unrelenting health problems, natural disasters, violent crimes, and many other afflictions can leave even Christians feeling spent and helpless. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead (2 Corinthians 1:9b). Our strength is not enough, but God’s is. We can endure the trials we face in life, not because we can handle them, but because God can.
Walking with My Lord
Dear God, You are the God who raises the dead. Help us to rely not on our own strength but on Yours. We pray in the name of our Savior, Jesus. Amen.
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible unless otherwise noted. (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Mustard Seed: Burdened Beyond our Strength by Deaconess Joanna Lee, McDonald, Pennsylvania.
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