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December 2004 Table of Contents
A View From The Front Lines
More Than We Can Handle??
By Shanda Lyons
 Well, after 4 fast years since moving to Mobile, Kirk is taking some time off. So I get to fill in for him this issue! I'm SO glad to get to share with you. I know you have heard his perspective of pregnancy-sheez, like a little A/C was killing him- moving, children the whole lot. Well, hehe it's my turn! Just kidding, I'll be sweet.
Let me begin by saying I hope you have already booked your reservation for Worship America this January in Houston, Memphis and Columbia. I've been watching the schedules and we recently got a sneak peek at some new music and I know that you are in for a treat while you are there. Some of the greatest musicians and teachers will be at these events. It's not just a time to find new music, but truly a time of refreshment for your ministry. If you haven't gotten your information, call your salesperson or check out the Worship America page at www.jjonline.com.
I was recently talking to a friend about all the things each of us had going on in our lives, and she said lightheartedly, "Well, I know God's not going to give me more than I can handle. So I'll be ok." That set me to thinking…(am I sounding like Jerry yet?) My thoughts raced.."Oh really? God won't give me more than I can handle…hmmm." I've heard that many times before, but this time it just didn't set well with me. Now, you don't know what I'm going through but some days can be unbearable. I have thought about Job and all that the Lord allowed to go on in his life. I have thought about Paul. He even thanked the Lord for finding him faithful enough for the trials.
I started searching for scripture for just exactly where God makes that promise. I asked my pastor, so far I haven’t come up with anything. In fact I have come to believe that God DOES give us more than we can handle, on purpose! Why would we ever need to turn to HIM if we could handle everything? Why would we need the power of the Holy Spirit working within us if we could take care of the issues in our lives alone?
Have you faced trials? We have... insurmountable financial obligations; Wayward children; Prolonged illness; Everyday stresses of family life. Through it all God has been so good…so faithful to provide strength for the day. Even more than just that day, but He has been preparing us for what may lie ahead in unique ways. We make it hour by hour some days, but we make it. Praise the Lord!! As we have traveled the road God takes us each day, the Lord provides encouragement and I want to share a few things He has taught me recently. None of these will probably be a light bulb for you, but maybe you need the reminder like I have.
First, take it all to the Lord. Now I realize the majority of my readers are men, and talking over your troubles with your pals may not be your first option, but for us women it usually is. I was at a ladies event recently where my friend Alicia Williamson spoke and one thing that really stuck with me was "Take it to the throne, not the phone." Lately I have made a conscious effort not to call my friends, mom, pastors, but just sit and pray when I face a difficult situation. There is a time and a place for a confidant and encourager, but we must go to the Lord first and foremost. Many times just getting through the initial panic of the moment and the "what am I going to do", then the Lord delivers a solution in His time.
Be accountable. I have watched adults give up and check out of life. I believe we would all be lying if we said the thought of "this isn’t what I signed up for, and I’m getting out!" had never crossed our minds. As we mature, take on jobs and families, not to mention the stresses from outside influences, the responsibilities can be overwhelming. I can say with confidence that when we allow ourselves to be humbled and vulnerable enough to bear our souls to a very few, when those times come we have a firm foundation to stand on AND the gift of others fervently praying for us. Standing in the gap for us when we are unable, if you will.
Be involved. Kirk and I have led a Bible Study class at church for a couple of years now. (OK, Sunday School for you old school-ers) As we have faced trials, many around us have not known the specifics, but have prayed for us and encouraged us. I realize most of you reading are in a high profile position in your environment, so this may not be an issue for you. Some, however just show up in our churches, are fed and leave. If they are not seeking to be involved, when the trials do come, they fall away because they have not interacted with the Christians around them.
Look for the ways the Lord will be encouraging you. In our class, the teacher has been taking us through Kay Arthur’s book "Lord I Want To Know You". Many of the lessons have only recently applied to my life. Had I not been paying attention, I would be missing the particular nugget I need to face the day. About a year ago, I read an article in a Christian Women’s magazine that has come back to my mind over and over as I have faced particular situations. Even a movie had a scene that stood out to me, and I didn’t know why at the time. Pay attention to what God is doing around you.
Finally, be patient and wait for God’s deliverance. As the Lord works in and around us each day, He is shaping us for the person He wants to use for His Glory. I am convinced, and have even seen firsthand, that every trial we go through is to be used to help others. Whether to point them to Christ, or encourage them later when they may face the same thing. The Lord is teaching me to rejoice in the trials, for He is forming me through them. I can’t say that I have a great attitude every minute of every day, but when I am focusing on Him, the joy that fills my heart makes me want to explode. A friend prayed for us the other day that we would be unrecognizable to those who know us after a particular situation. That they would say, "surely they have been with the Lord". Oh that that would be SO!
Well, back to "more than we can bear", I think what my friend was referring to was 1Cor. 10:13 "No temptation has taken you but what is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but with the temptation also will make a way to escape, so that you may be able to bear it." (MKJV) Oh how we need to grasp the Truth in that scripture! But, my space here is limited, and that’s another article for another day. Until then, be strong in the Lord! May your day be blessed!
Shanda Lyons
Email Kirk
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