Do you ever wonder if others handle problems like champions while you’re falling apart?
We hear often that God won’t put more on us than we can handle, based on 1 Corinthians 10:13. Actually God won’t allow us to be tempted beyond what we can handle. I suppose we might include that to mean that God won’t allow us to be burdened to a point of no longer being able to hold onto hope in him. But the burdens of this world can indeed be heavy, we can be shattered, and the wounds deep.
Paul’s transparency in 2 Corinthians encourages me, as he tells of his journeys and suffering: we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life (1:8). I’m so sorry for his grief, and so thankful for his honesty.
I also have been burdened more than I could put into words, though my precious friends had to endure lots and lots and lots of words as I poured out my sorrows to them. I have been hurt more than my own strength could handle. I’m not sure I’ve ever despaired of life, but I have often longed for heaven in times of great stress and sorrow.
Godly friend, don’t beat yourself up for one more second for struggling with despair. But know that God will supply strength when we have none, and His comfort is soothing for the moment and healing for your tomorrow.