Have you ever said (or thought) that the current burden or trial is more than you can bear? That kind of response in the face of heavy trials is often heard, and is a clear picture of human nature.
The believer, however, needs no longer be dependent on his old adamic human nature. He now has the new nature of God residing within. When looking at God's mind on the matter in 1 Corinthians 10:13, we hear Him say, "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." In that passage 4 truths are abundantly clear, from God's perspective.
1) Every burden or trial has historically occurred before
2) God has declared Himself to be absolutely faithful
3) God promises to provide the way to bear the burden
4) Victory is available in receiving that provision
Since 1 Timothy 4:7 teaches us to "exercise ourselves unto godliness," we can actively bear each and every difficulty by knowing and using the Word of God. After all, God reminds us in 2 Peter 1:3 that it has all that pertains to life and godliness. So when there is the human inclination to look at those things that have touched our life, declared by the sovereign hand of God to bring us into conformity to Christlikeness, we must actively bear that burden biblically.
As we commence our exercise routine into godliness, what a joy to SPA - that signifies a workout room, does it not? How does one SPA? By immediately and progressively remembering a SCRIPTURE that is God's divine solution for the current human response, pray a PRAYER of commitment to the heart of God, and take the ACTION needed to demonstrate agreement with His will.
Thus, if the human inclination in a given situation is to fear, remember that "what time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee" (Psalm 56:3). Then, in prayer, agree with God that this is the perfect time to refocus from the human problem to the divine solution, and place full confidence in His perfect ways. Take immediate steps of obedience and responsibility in that situation by doing those things that God has given. It may be writing a note of encouragement, finishing the household job at hand, or even continuing the project at hand.
God teaches us that the Holy Spirit within us is greater than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4), so there is no question that when we draw nigh to Him in responsive obedience to His Word, that He will draw nigh to us (James 4:8)
What can you do today to make preparation? Jot down those common human inclinations that you are aware of repeatedly in your life, along with the pertinent Scripture for each. A starter list might look something like this:
Fear-psalm 56:3; Worry- Matthew 6:33; feelings of not being appreciated-Colossians 3:24; feelings of inferiority- 1 Corinthians 12:18.
How to bear our burdens biblically? 1) Remember the 4 promises of God in 1 Corinthians 10:13, 2) exercise ourselves to godliness by employing the Word of God by the practical tool of SPA, 3) demonstrate victory in Christ, thus glorifying God.
(c) 1993, 2012 N.A.Collins - Limited copy permission for one personal copy
The believer, however, needs no longer be dependent on his old adamic human nature. He now has the new nature of God residing within. When looking at God's mind on the matter in 1 Corinthians 10:13, we hear Him say, "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." In that passage 4 truths are abundantly clear, from God's perspective.
1) Every burden or trial has historically occurred before
2) God has declared Himself to be absolutely faithful
3) God promises to provide the way to bear the burden
4) Victory is available in receiving that provision
Since 1 Timothy 4:7 teaches us to "exercise ourselves unto godliness," we can actively bear each and every difficulty by knowing and using the Word of God. After all, God reminds us in 2 Peter 1:3 that it has all that pertains to life and godliness. So when there is the human inclination to look at those things that have touched our life, declared by the sovereign hand of God to bring us into conformity to Christlikeness, we must actively bear that burden biblically.
As we commence our exercise routine into godliness, what a joy to SPA - that signifies a workout room, does it not? How does one SPA? By immediately and progressively remembering a SCRIPTURE that is God's divine solution for the current human response, pray a PRAYER of commitment to the heart of God, and take the ACTION needed to demonstrate agreement with His will.
Thus, if the human inclination in a given situation is to fear, remember that "what time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee" (Psalm 56:3). Then, in prayer, agree with God that this is the perfect time to refocus from the human problem to the divine solution, and place full confidence in His perfect ways. Take immediate steps of obedience and responsibility in that situation by doing those things that God has given. It may be writing a note of encouragement, finishing the household job at hand, or even continuing the project at hand.
God teaches us that the Holy Spirit within us is greater than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4), so there is no question that when we draw nigh to Him in responsive obedience to His Word, that He will draw nigh to us (James 4:8)
What can you do today to make preparation? Jot down those common human inclinations that you are aware of repeatedly in your life, along with the pertinent Scripture for each. A starter list might look something like this:
Fear-psalm 56:3; Worry- Matthew 6:33; feelings of not being appreciated-Colossians 3:24; feelings of inferiority- 1 Corinthians 12:18.
How to bear our burdens biblically? 1) Remember the 4 promises of God in 1 Corinthians 10:13, 2) exercise ourselves to godliness by employing the Word of God by the practical tool of SPA, 3) demonstrate victory in Christ, thus glorifying God.
(c) 1993, 2012 N.A.Collins - Limited copy permission for one personal copy
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