Believe For It

One of the most misinterpreted quotes credited to the Bible is, “God won’t give you more than you can handle” (attributed to 1 Corinthians 10:13, which references temptation). In fact, we are often faced with challenges we are ill-equipped to handle. I was reminded of that fact the past few days. Driving to rehearsal Monday evening, I found myself arguing with God about a hardship facing my family. My wonderful son, Joey, faces unique challenges as a kindergartner on the autism spectrum. Recently, it’s felt like fighting an uphill battle. I asked God, as so many of us do, “Why?! Why haven’t you eased this burden?” When I arrived at church, my husband, Tom, texted me. In the midst of a difficult bedtime routine, Tom left Joey alone in his room and stood in the hallway. Through the door, he heard Joey pray aloud for six minutes, asking for God’s help at school and for more books about God so he could learn (he humorously added, “...because Daddy doesn’t know anything,” even though Tom takes him to church every week and has done a wonderful job sharing the faith). Then, on the way home from rehearsal, I heard a song the worship team presented at Jason’s installation service: CeCe Winan’s “Believe For It.” The bridge lyrics are, “You are the way, when there seems to be no way. We trust in you, God, you have the final say.” Even though I programmed the song for the service and sang it multiple times over the weekend, I needed to be hit over the head with the truth; God is in control. God can handle anything. You may go through seasons in life that are more than you alone can handle. God is with you. I leave you with Psalm 11:1-7, which happened to be the staff meeting reflection verse this morning. In the Lord I take refuge. How then can you say to me: “Flee like a bird to your mountain. For look, the wicked bend their bows; they set their arrows against the strings to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart. When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?” The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord is on his heavenly throne. He observes everyone on earth; his eyes examine them. The Lord examines the righteous, but the wicked, those who love violence, he hates with a passion. On the wicked he will rain fiery coals and burning sulfur; a scorching wind will be their lot. For the Lord is righteous, he loves justice; the upright will see his face. Elizabeth Virkler