Together We Overcome

It is often quoted as scripture, “God will not give us more than we can handle.”  This is actually a poor paraphrase of 1 Corinthians 10:12-13, “Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”  The word “temptation” is the same Greek word that is also translated “trial”.  Because verse 14 is talking about fleeing from idolatry, “temptation” is the best translation, though I think the application can be taken both ways.  The warning in this verse is against pride that causes us to stumble.  We can overcome temptations and trials only because of the faithfulness of God to provide us a way out.

This truth continues to prove itself in my family.  Keeping up with eight children is tough.  When one is in college and one is just a few days old, challenges are found daily.  We do not even pretend to think that we have this under control.  The truth is we were overwhelmed when we just had two children.  We believe that God has called us to this ministry and we seek his guidance for every decision we make concerning who comes into our home.  Yes, God has given us more than we can handle.  But it is when we admit that we cannot do it that God shows his faithfulness.  If we thought we could stand on our own strength we would soon fall (verse 12). 

One of the amazing ways God has provided us a way out is through the Church.  He has given us a church family to lean on for support and accountability.  We could not do foster care without your support.  Thank you for loving these children as much as we do.  Please remember Tara, as well as Cheri, while Lucas, Jonathan and I are gone to Malawi.  They are tasked with the hardest job of holding things together at home while we are away.  Satan’s army will be attacking them as hard as they are attacking us on the mission field.  Your encouragement and help to them will be an amazing way for us to overcome the trials and temptations that come upon those who serve Him.  God asks us to do more than we are able, but together we will overcome.  And in that, God will receive the gory!

Comments

Diwakar said…
Hello Pastor Michael. I am also a Pastor from Mumbai, India. I am glad to stop by your profile on the blogger and the blog post. I am blessed and feel privileged and honored to get connected with you as well as know you as a Pastor and about your family too and your interest in foster care. I have thoroughly enjoyed your post and I am blessed to through it and know how true it is that "Together We Over come". Be assured of my prayer support for your family as you are away from home on the mission field in Malawi. In your absence may Tara and Cheri experience God's protection and provision. I love getting connected with the people of God around the globe to be encouraged, strengthened and praying for one another. I have been in the Pastoral ministry for last 38 yrs in this great city of Mumbai a city with a great contrast where richest of rich and the poorest of poor live. We reachout to the poorest of poor with the love of Christ to bring healing to the brokenhearted. We also encourage young and the adults from the west to come to Mumbai to work with us during their vacation time. We would love to have young people from your church to come to Mumbai to work with us during their vacation time. I am sure they will have life changing experience. My email id is: dhwankhede(at)gmail(dot)com and my name is Diwakar Wankhede. looking forward to hear from you very soon. God's richest blessings on you, your family and ministry.

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