Strength Sunday! Most of us throughout our lives have heard the sayings "there's nothing new up under the sun" and "God doesn't put more on you than you can handle." But how many of us know that those quotes are paraphrased from biblical scriptures (Ecc 1:9, 1 Cor 10:13). I know for myself that I don't always associate those quotes with the Bible. But nonetheless, what those two quotes represent for me is; as human beings life will always present us with "positives and negatives," "hi's and low's," "up's and down's" or "peaks and valleys," question is "how do we respond those circumstances when life presents them to us.
Today, we know we live in a world that has many facets to it and that it encompasses a multitude of elements. Nonetheless, when we think about how one survives in a world like this we automatically think of "strength." In life, when we see those among us with great physical and mental strength like the Incredibile Hulk or motivational guru Tony Robbins. We see that person as extraordinary and in many cases they are! However, we don't always see the circumstances that may have gotten them there and how they responded to those circumstances. Therefore, life's "up's and down's" and how we respond to them ultimately will shape the direction of our lives. Furthermore, there is a direct correlation between life and its circumstances and one's reaction to those circumstances. In other words, you can't live life with out going through something! And as my mother use to say "just keep livin" and "everybody's got a turn." WOW! I truly understand what she was saying now!
Possessing great physical and mental strength is an extraordinary asset for one to have no doubt. Moreover, it is not easily obtained, it is usually gained through much experience that brings about both joy and pain. Hence the R&B soul classic "Joy and Pain," by Maze featuring Frankie Beverly. In life truth is, we must expect to go through something in order to get to where we are going to. Which means we must be thoroughly prepared to face the circumstances of life so that we can be successful. Now, you and I both know that this is easier said than done for most of us. But in my humble opinion this is where we as human beings have to step out of the physical and mental realm of "strength" and into the spiritual realm of "strength, or as some would say the "Supernatural.".
Having said that let me just say, possessing great physical and mental strength coupled with God's strength becomes are our ultimate ally (To place in a friendly association, as by treaty; To unite or connect in a personal relationship, as in friendship or marriage) against the adversaries of this world. When truly understanding what Daivd the Psalmist wrote that "Ye are gods, and all of you are children of the Most High" (Psalm 82:6). We learn that God has declared that we are "little gods" and that we have extradordinary "strength" over the "hi's and low's" of this world when we are thoroughly prepared (James 1:2-4,12) and united with Him!
God will not allow a Believer to be tempted beyond what he or she can bear or handle and it does not suggest that He is the source of the temptation or trial either. (James 1:13) says, "Don't blame God when you are tempted! God cannot be tempted by evil, and he doesn't use evil to tempt others." So God does not bring problems on us. He is not the source of the trials we may face, but He does allow us to be tried, and as the scriptures explain, "He will help us, if we rely on Him."
So with that let us remember to "Sing aloud unto God our strength; make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob." (Psalm 81:1 21KJV)
Scriptural Support
Sing aloud unto God our strength; make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob. -Psalm 81:1 21KJV
I have said, "Ye are gods, and all of you are children of the Most High." -Psalm 82:6 21KJV
Jesus answered them, "Is it not written in your law, `I said "Ye are gods"'? -John 10:34 21KJV
What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun. -Ecc 1:9 NIV
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. -1 Cor 10:13
What then shall we say of these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay anything to the charge against God's elect? It is God who justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ who died, yea rather, who is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword. As it is written: "For Thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter." Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. -Romans 8:31-39 21KJV
Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world. -1 John 4:4 21KJV
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. -James 1:2-4 NIV
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. -James 1:12-14 NIV
Allah does not impose upon any soul a duty but to the extent of its ability; for it is (the benefit of) what it has earned and upon it (the evil of) what it has wrought: Our Lord! do not punish us if we forget or make a mistake; Our Lord! do not lay on us a burden as Thou didst lay on those before us, Our Lord do not impose upon us that which we have not the strength to bear; and pardon us and grant us protection and have mercy on us, Thou art our Patron, so help us against the unbelieving people. -Holy Quran 2:286
The Lord of Mighty Power has taught him, The Lord of Strength; so he attained completion, -Holy Quran 53:5-6
Blessed is He in Whose hand is the kingdom, and He has power over all things, Who created death and life that He may try you -- which of you is best in deeds; and He is the Mighty, the Forgiving, -Holy Quran 67:1-2
Therefore endure with a goodly patience. -Holy Quran 70:5
31 comments:
I'd like 2 paraphrase that.....God doesn't give u more than u can bear......he gives u just enough to break, or be damned close to it.
If the "old folks" said it all the time you know the quote came from the Bible.
Here's the killer part about all of it is people automatically EXPECT a person to either act like their trials AREN'T hard, like what one is going through is just a cakewalk, as if people aren't ENTITLED to be angry & frustrated about their ''bads'', like I'd be committing a crime or spitting in God's face by being mad that I'm going through something......
@Yaa that's why you have to lean not to your own understanding- (this will help you deal with the trails,anger, frustration) but in ALL THY WAYS TRUST in the LORD, HE will direct your path. All you need is the faith a size of a mustard seed to get you through! I'm teaching & preaching this morning!
So why would get angry or mad when reading 1 Cor 10:13 it says that God doesn't put more on you than you can handle.It also says that God is Faithful,but with the temptation he also give you a way to escape,so that you can bear it.
It's not about that for me.....it's about people respecting the emotions that come with being upset about a situation......if we, as humans, can't be allowed the very emotions that GOD gave us, then what's the use of having them? People don...'t all react to trials by leaning to God's understanding.....& even when or if they DID, they still have a right to feel what they do. We aren't MACHINES.....we cry, we scream, we get frustrated, we get angry....that doesn't make us LESS THAN spiritual....it makes us what we're supposed to be: HUMAN.....& no human's INITIAL reaction is going to be ''My mother was murdered due to mistaken identity: THANK YA JESUS!!!!!!!''See More
Again we are speaking of the Universal laws of causes and effects.No all people don't lean to Gods Understanding----But we should---You will we something does go wrong the natural reaction is to pray.
Natasha speaks the truth in her answer above
But u didn't answer the question sir, u restated your statement: if we, as humans, shouldn't indulge in the EMOTIONS that God HIMSELF gave us, then why have them? & why knock a HUMAN for going through the motions of those emotions, as if they're doing something wrong?
No one is saying that one shouln't indulge in her or her emotion.Yahweh give those to us to make us grow.But he also gives us a way to over come all of our trial and tribulation.Through pray and understanding.Being a person of influence you already know this.
@Yaa..I feel you & agree. Everyone is entitled to their feelings no matter what they are because we are HUMAN. But what God wants to do is give encouragement, strength, perseverance, peace, etc beyond HUMAN understanding to be able to move... on (after the initial reaction). I want you to understand this one point: The devil is very busy & his mission/plan: to seek, conquer & destroy, he will come at you in any & every way, including killing your loved one due to mistaken identity. That's not of God its the work of the devil. This is why you have to amour yourself with "The Word of God" cause it will keep you. Only the strong survive in this world.See More
No, you're assuming I SHOULD know......& assumptions are BAD:-) & my being an influence is an assumption @ best, & an unwanted expectation at worst (an expectation u can have w/out reservation). I cope the only way that I know how, & wouldn...'t DARE tell another person how to deal w/ THEIR issues.....as a HUMAN, all I can tell them is to ALLOW themselves whatever emotion they have about their situation, pray on it, & keep it moving.....I don't slap folks in the face w/ the Bible or Qu'ran everytime they have an issue because that's not ME, NOR is it how I CHOOSE to deal w/ issues (& the first prson to tell me I'm not doing it right WITHOUT the Bible, feel free to inbox me so that I may politely tell u what to do & where to go w/out renig-ing my place in Heaven....HOW DARE U?????).
Ok Natasha preach to us---We all should know that we can drink for the cup of Satan and the Cup of God at the same time.Because it leads no were.Yahweh says he is a jealous God--Thou should have no other Gods before him
These assumptions, Mr. Hills, are going to get you in trouble:-D I can ASSUME all I'd like that ALL Christians SHOULD be living Christ-like lives.....only to be left w/ a giant ass on my face when I walk on my front porch:-D U're ASSUMING I should know how to deal w/ an issue bcuz I'm, according to YOU, a ''person of influence'': DEAD WRONG!!!!!! U're ALSO assuming that all SHOULD know that God & Lucifer can & will, @ some point, work interchangebly: WRONG AGAIN:-D
NO--No this a discussion not a personal assassination on anyone please don't take it that way.I just assumes once said that had your relationship with Yahwah---you meant you pray.All this isn't of Yahweh
I DO pray.....but I'm not one to sit & think that out of bullshit comes sunshine just because God knows it NOW for me to discover LATER.....there's no comfort in that for me PERSONALLY.....it never has been, & TRUST that it never will be. I... look @ things from a spiritual & HUMAN point of view & for me, it's a bit bothersome to lean to someone ELSE'S understanding when I don't understand what they're doing or WHY they're doing it/ they're taking their sweet ass time getting it done & revealing it to me that's not realistic enough for me to hold onto if it works for OTHERS, fine it's never worked or made sense to me.
Can I asked a question? what's realistic to u?
Realistic, to me, is TANGIBLE PROOF.......& a little book w/ a title that a man decided to write & claim as the words of God & his disciples does NOT constute as tangible.
@Yaa, I hate to say it but your tangible proof is just what the devil wants you to believe you need to understand...don't do it.
Too late.....been there, done that, & wear the T-shirt w/ pride.....I've been a tangible proof child since CONCEPTION.
@Anthony..God gives us free will (choice) & discernment(to know the difference between right & wrong) its your choice which cup you drink from. Hopefully & prayfully you choose the right one!
@Yaa, I've been there too...I was a tangible proof needing child. I'll give some advice my Mother gave me years ago. Stay in the word, keep seeking understanding & keep living! Life will bring you to tangible proof you need.
Natasha my choice the choice of Yahweh---The same God of Abraham,Issac,and Jacob.I know the confusion of Satan.The scripture give proof.
The scripture gives WORDS that people CHOOSE to live by.....PROOF is relative.
Satan tells on himself every time he speaks!
@Anthony, now that's what I'm talking about! You got it!
@Lamon, allowing us to be tried is called - free will...& then He gives us discernment so that we can for help..yea bro its amazing how it all ties together, that how I know HE is ALL KNOWING.
ALL KNOWING indeed my sister!!! Our mother shared much of that Godly wisdom with us. Which is why I am indeed thankful and grateful for having a mom like her!
@Lamon, YES SIRRR! I didn't understand her (MOM) then but I certainly understand her now!
@Yaa – you are correct, some folk tend to spiritualize everything as if it is a sin to feel.It is not. If you needing things to be tangible is where you, than this is where you are my Sistah and God will meet your lovely self, right there! Blessings
Indeed Sis. Val... No doubt, God will meet us where we are! We are human beings!
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