More Than We Can Bear

Come to me and I will give you rest - all of you who work so hard beneath a heavy yoke. Wear my yoke - for it fits perfectly - and let me teach you; for I am gentle and humble, and you shall find rest for your souls; for I give you only light burdens." Matthew 11:28-30 (TLB)

For 42 years Thomas Broadhead, from Texas, had the privilege of serving as a pastor. He officiated at many funerals and ministered to many people going through trying and tragic situations. Often he heard well-meaning people make statements that made him cringe. one such statement was "God will never give you more than you can handle."

In Thomas' experience, we do go through trials that are more than we can bear. In 1 Corinthians 10:13, Paul wrote, "God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength." But we often overlook the second half of that verse: "but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it." We may experience trials that are too much for us to handle on our own, but with God's help we can endure them.

Jesus says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest....my yoke is easy and my burden is light" (Matt.11:28-30 NIV). Jesus is speaking to those of us who are carrying burdens much too heavy to shoulder alone. And in those few words he reveals that when we experience such burdens we can trust God enough to hand them over to our Creator. Nothing is too heavy for God to carry!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to release our concerns, burdens , and needs into your care, in Jesus' name. Amen