Judean Beast of Burden

The apostle Paul writes that God will not give us more than we can bear (1 Cor. 10:13).

Many caregivers have used those words in days of overload to avoid the breaking point of their own health, sanity, and spiritual despair.

But why then did the same author admit in another letter that, while caring for the church in Asia, he experienced troubles that went far beyond his ability to endure—to the point that he and his co-workers came to the point of despair? (2 Cor. 1:8)

Admittedly the second text describes the apostle’s recall of a “moment” that moves to a more positive outcome (2 Cor. 1:9); (2 Cor. 4:5-10)

But do we need to be careful in assuring others that “God will not give them more than they can bear”? Doesn’t Paul use those words with a story of “temptation” running in the background (1 Cor. 10:1-6)? Are we supposed to notice that after talking about “a way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” Paul immediately writes, “So my dear friends, run from idols”…

Seems to me that this is about a God who, “even through the collapse of our bodies, emotions, and financial resources,” can protect a faith that will live to see the wonder of his  faithfulness… rising above the rubble of dead idols and the dying embers of old temptations?

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