God Will Give You More Than You Can Handle: A Moment With Bill Reflection

Just as you discovered you needed people and could not turn your back against everyone, so it is with God. Restlessness, irritability, and discontent will leave once your relationship with God is right between the two of you.

God gets a lot of credit for things He didn't/doesn't do. For some reason people forget that there are two forces in this world, good and evil.

If evil were not ever allowed to play itself out to the end, how would people learn that it is truly evil? This great experiment that we are all taking part in is the opportunity for Satan to prove his way is better and superior to God's. See where it has gotten us so far?

I think very often bad things happen to good people or to people generally, not as punishment for them -- the Bible says it rains on the just and on the unjust. You can take that 2 different ways. Good things happen to both good and bad people, and bad things happen to both good and bad people. So it is not as punishment that we sometimes find ourselves in seriously bad situations.

I do think that when those among us are suffering through hardships of different kinds that it is an opportunity for people to be the Christians they say they are. God tests each of us continually. Look how He tested Job. I know I wouldn't do as well as Job did, but we are all tested in many different ways all the time. Do we simply label ourselves as Christians or do we walk the walk?

Another thing that serious suffering can do for people who learn fairly easily is to teach a person that but for the grace of God, I (they) might be in that person's shoes.

I think being in a terrible situation, especially of our own making, can teach us that why a person is in a horrible situation is irrelevant. More important is, are we going to do the Christian thing and offer a hand up/out, or are we going to judge them? Did we want judgment when we were in our personal 'mess' or did we want forgiveness and mercy? Do we want and need a helping hand? Or would a kick while we're down be preferable? Do unto others . . .

Everyone makes mistakes. Everyone has poor judgment sometimes. Everyone has misfortunate that looks like it is entirely their fault from the outside, but maybe it isn't what it looks like. Even if someone did bring misfortunate onto themselves, is it really our place to judge them? Do we really qualify to do that? Maybe our sins are different, but they’re still sins and the wages of sin (unforgiven) is death. So even if you think your sin is better than somebody else's the fact is, God doesn't have a sin rater.

We are all out in the deepest ocean in a boat with a hole in the middle. The boat is taking on water fast. Should we point fingers at each other and argue about who is to blame for the hole in the boat? Or should we work together and get buckets and start bailing the water out? What makes the most sense? Which will save the most lives?

After much study, I really think we will all be judged by the same standard by which we judge other people. I think we will all receive mercy and forgiveness according to how much of those commodities we gave away.

I am no authority, and probably the worst sinner on this planet right now. Every day I have to start all over again trying to do better than the day before, and sometimes I fail. I have a sharp tongue that sometimes dictates to my fingers on this keyboard, and God says a sharp tongue does more damage than a lot of other things.

As I see it, when I do what I can for someone who is struggling along their own path, I receive a blessing. I receive that blessing whether the other person deserves my help or not. I receive that blessing no matter what that person does with what I gave them, whether it is knowledge, food, money, or something else. I can't answer for what anyone else does. They will have to do that themselves just as I must answer for myself. I only have to do the right thing and I will receive a blessing.

I don't consider it my place to determine whether or not someone deserves help. I think anyone who needs help should receive it. God will sort out who took unnecessary advantage of things or abused the help they received. I know it isn't very satisfying to be patient and let Him take care of making the judgment and issuing any necessary punishment, but I think it is the best way. God is the only person who knows our heart.

If anyone has ever gotten retribution (some people spell it j-u-s-t-i-c-e) for some wrong that someone has done to them, they know there really isn't much satisfaction in the vengeance anyway. Seeking retribution and getting it means you've already received part of your reward, and there's no telling how much your reward was to start with. You may have used it all up getting even -- and then you discover that other person wasn't the one who wronged you after all. It was somebody else, or perhaps an assumption you made -- assumptions are all but always wrong.

There are a lot of reasons for things being the way they are. Most of them are due, not to God or Satan, but to human mean spiritedness and selfishness. Humans really don't need Satan to think up ugly things to say and do to each other. They are amazingly gifted in this area if you look around and view the proof in what I'm saying.

It can be really difficult to see the good in a world like ours with so many things that aren't good blocking our view. The best thing a person can do, from what I can tell, is to be an instrument of good and do everything possible to make their own little corner of the world the best it can be. If everyone did that, think how much better the world would be.

When one makes a habit of doing the right thing, the kind thing, the helpful Christian thing, offering mercy and forgiveness to people like themselves who don't deserve it (who among us deserves it?) then when their visibility is limited by ugliness blocking their view everywhere they look, they only need to look in a mirror and they will see God's goodness shining through themselves to know there is still hope and that hope lives in them.

Do not blame God for things He didn't do. Why doesn't He stop the ugliness? Would you believe ugliness truly existed if you never saw it for yourself? Would you understand just how truly ugly it is if you never experienced it? Besides, He has sent help. You, and me, and everyone here in this world can help Him by doing the work He gave us to do instead of our own pleasures, and the ugliness will go away.

Powerful and inspiring, another wonderful message!

We have been in communities of some sort since the dawn of time. No man is an island. This is a great piece in order to show us WHY we are weak.

My most sincerely compliment on these words Bill. I have been reading some really good words on some hubs and they have come from the heart. There is hope while we may say: "I believe that none of us is an island and we need each other."

More blessings for your spirit, soul and life. Keep nourishing us, we will keep strong.

Great hub!

Hi Bill

My friend , I love and agree with your philosophy of kindness.

I am anxiously waiting for my t-shirt so I can promote Humanity for One World.

Big hug from your friend in Toronto.

Sue

Voted up+++ and sharing your kindness

We are social animals and we need each other, Bill. We are not an island and God gives us more than we can handle. Very true. With all the suffering around how true this is.

I loved reflecting on this aspect.

Voted up and interesting.

I am currently taking a counseling course which is part of my reading certification. Relating to your statements that we aren't an island and we all need each other, the teacher stated that no one person is independent. We are all influenced by the people in our lives and are part of a larger system. So very true!!! Of course you and others advocating positive change came to mind! Keep up your great work, it is making a difference!!!!! :)

Very cool take on tricky phrase. A similar phrase is "love your neighbor as yourself" hmmm -- there must be an implied condition subsequent to both of these. Love your self first.

Your thoughts and mine are identical. When i was growing up i was afraid of God. I was taught that he hated sinners and every pleasure was a sin. My grandmother, Minnie was a staunch pentecost believer who practically lived in the church, spoke in tongues, never cut her hair once in her entite life, she lived to be 83. I have had to unlearn many things that i was taught as a child.To me, God is love. False beliefs have caused more pain and suffering in the world than wars or famines. Why can't all people see that? Great write Bill...

Voted up and awesome. Bill I've said it before and will say it again you are an inspiration. Your message comes through loud and clear. Reach out to others and they will reach out to you. I do believe that sometimes God thinks I'm a bit of a handful but I know this amuses Him because above all else He knows my heart is in the right place. Passing this on.

Thank you for your inspiration words. I wish you had seen me in action. My only fault was; others thought they had to work as I appeared to.

I love this hub, Bill. It contains a lot of wisdom. Thanks once again for sharing your thoughts.

What you say is true and a belief in a God is not necessary. We need each other to survive. We need each other to help us through whatever is happening in our lives. I feel that no decent god would allow a child to suffer a life of abuse, starvation, and sickness, though many do. It is obvious no god is going to step in and help, so it is up to us, everyone of us, to change this. Kindness is not hard. Kindness is not expensive. It is free and should be spent around the world with abandon. Kindness is not like money, the more you spend the more you get back.

Thanks bill, didn't want to counterdict you, just have to say what's on my heart. lol You still always get my vote.

Wise words billy, and yes we do all need each other, its so lonely by yourself, as someone, can't remember who, said. Its okay to be alone, but lonely is another thing. The part about the african children made me realise that the people who say that are not quoting God, they are quoting there own biases. They take what they like about a saying and stick to it even if its wrong, voted up all buttons!

God gives us more than we can handle...but what he can take us to, he can certainly take us through, if we let Him. Great share!

Heavy words for sure. Yes I know many unhappy people and some of those people have everything and have never suffered, and yet I have seen and heard of many who have gone through so much pain and seem to bear it well. I so agree with everything here you have written..And I don't know why little children have to suffer in such unhappy environments.. So as you say treasure the day and the people around you.

Hi, Bill!

I try to get my lawn mowed on Tuesday morning each week in order to throw the clippings in with the trash that is picked up an hour or so later. Two weeks ago, Rita and I were in Hermiston. Yesterday, it rained. Bummed me out. Today, I had a window of opportunity to get the lawn mowed...and I'm doing it with a 2nd hand mower that I have to lean into to push. Anyway...I was wondering how I was going to deal with the clippings. Rita didn't want me leaving them in a pile somewhere on the lawn because that'd turn that spot yellow. I didn't want to bag what was going to be two huge bags and stuff them into the trash barrel because we'd have clippings sauerkraut by next Tuesday. Lo and behold, my neighbor came over and asked me if I'd mind tossing my clippings near his tomato plants so he could use them as ground cover. Of course, I jumped at his offer...what a blessing that was!

Which serves as a big time lesson to me...me, the guy feeling restless, irritable, and discontented...

Who's my neighbor? The guy who needs me. Who's HIS neighbor? Me, the guy who was humbled this morning and encouraged to admit that I need him.

I need you. You need me. HOW!

Aloha, Bill! Another dynamite hub!

Joe

Thanks, Bill. I will check out "The Cultural Creatives." I'm drowning myself in great material, and it's overwhelming in a good way. :D

Great message Bill. We can't do this alone. Anyone who thinks they can is just fooling themselves. Every now and then we all feel overwhelmed. The best way to deal is to surround yourself with people and love. Great message.

It is funny that I read this today, Billy

I had just been having a discussion with someone and that person said that God would take care of things.

And my reply was, this isn't a God thing...I will not lay it off on Him. This is a me thing...I will find a way to manage my concerns. He gave me a brain and I will use it.

Kindness is the answer. Do unto others and all that. We have had this discussion a number of times....reach out, let others know, we are one family, we need each other.

Voted up++++ Angels are on the way to you this evening...ps

This is the actual scripture bill and it has been misquoted for years. This is about temptations that we don't have to give into them like your previous drinking problem. God only tempts with good things, satan gets the blame for this one.

1 Corinthians 10:13

"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 you are able; but will with the temptation also make a way of escape that you may be able to bear it."

God helps us out of these things if we will allow Him. Or give the credit where you will, I thank God for all things. The church today is too modern alright that it does not let these young people know there is someone to walk beside them in every battle. Every one.

You are exactly right. I believe there are times when everything seems to be too much and we can decide to end it all by turning to drugs, stealing, or even committing suicide. Some people will recognize the warning signs and seek help before it gets too bad while other people have nowhere to turn for help. If someone asks for our help, we should do all we can. If we notice they're having problems and seem like they won't talk, we should try to get them to open up and accept our help.

This is a much different view than I am used to hearing, and it makes more sense than the alternatives! I agree, we all need each other. If we would all embrace one another, this world would be a better place. But for now, I will take comfort in the fact that many of us do already embrace this belief. Thank you for writing another beautiful, inspiring piece.

~ Kathryn

Bill, I so agree. I too have never like that statement, "God does not give us what we cannot handle." I fought that statement in my teens crying out saying, "I can't handle this!" and other pivogzl moments in my life.

We do need each other. We can not isolate from one another. Those who are married are shown to live longer. Those who have friends are shown to be happier. But most importnatly, those who volunteer and help others are shown to find meaning and joy in their life.

Billy, a long time ago I found a little piece of paper my Mom had in her vanity. It simply said 'Kindness Matters'. Profound but true, and I live by that saying as do you, my friend.

I'm glad you keep reaching out, and offering your helping hand. I gratefully took it, and look where I am now! Thank you ;) Pearl

Voted Up++++

Magnificent Hub!

Don't stop writing. Your words will reach those needing

to hear what you have to say.

You are teaching many the true meaning of life.

Thank you for all your efforts,

DJ.

What a concept! God gives us more than we can bear so that we will lean on and learn from each other! You have opened my mind to new vistas! Thanks for the new point of view!

Wow, Bill! Your sentiments are mine exactly. I've got to let you know about this FREE book on Kindle. It's also on PDF at the author's site, but this author shares so much and makes one see life and love in a whole new dimension. If you're interested, here it is: http://www.amazon.com/Soulshift-Manifesting-Abunda... .

I believe God is making changes in this world right now. He is bringing us like-minded people together... to share... to care... and to encourage one another in love. Your heart truly expresses this here (though I've already known you have a heart of gold). ;)

May the light of LOVE spread as we all share our hearts.

Bill, thank you for not chastising me for my egregious error in that I said Deepak Chopra, when it was clearly the Dalai Lama whose quote you used. Well, they are working toward the same end, so maybe it wasn't egregious. I had just read a hub with quotes from Deepak Chopra, so hence the mistake. I read about four hubs this morning all on the same or a similar theme. Yours and another persons were published on the same day. Do you see more than a coincidence here? It's working!

Out of the ashes rises the Phoenix!

Great words Bill, Mark

Absolutely my brother! I think your poem was right on specifically in terms of the military as well. These are our brothers and sisters, friends, daughters, mothers, fathers........when did they become anything less than that? Great big ol heart right here that I see in you Bill. Good job on your one and only poem!

If I've learned anything about life....its this, Context is everything!

God gave the apostle Paul more than any man should have ever been able to bear under....just read 2nd corinthians 11:21-30. Why did he do this? Because in Paul's weakness, God's mighty power is more than enough to take up the slack. So yes, I believe that God can allow things to overwhelm us at times......sometimes it's to bring us to Him because he's able to overcome our problems in the end.

I think that the verse 1 corinthians 10:13 is so taken out of context it's not even funny (which is where you get the whole "God won't give us more than we can handle" phrase). The context is to the church specifically in Corinth...it's also about temptation, not trials in life. Jesus himself said that "In this world, you will have trouble, but take heart, I've overcome the world." WE CAN BANK ON THAT! In my opinion, Jesus is saying.........

"Hey man, sometimes life's going to suck so hard, you're going to think you're being vacuumed up by a Hoover! But don't worry, I'm there to give you the strength to go through it because you can't do it alone."

This also brings to light John 15 where Jesus talks about us not being able to do anything on our own outside of the power of God. (Admittedly, it's slightly out of context, but it actually works for so much of what Jesus was trying to get across there.)

Obviously, theology could be debated day in and day out with any and all, but I believe Jesus came to bring life and life abundantly....not theology, doctrine or anything like that. Just life! Sounds like you want to help be a part of bringing life to those who need real life. I salute you sir and any who stand with you. God bless Bill.

Yes, absolutely, Billy. I'm amazed when I hear someone claim they did it all, all by themselves, and then scorn those who need help. In a word, those people are liars. Maybe not intentionally, but they don't speak truth, nonetheless. You are absolutely correct, too, that people have been misguided by belief that somehow we get what we deserve, we get what we can handle in a bad way, conversely in a good way, and so on; you've already provided plenty examples why that tired philosophy and slogan is false. And I'm glad you did.

This certainly strikes a chord, We have all had times when we have been dished up more than we can cope with on. I love that you always brave enough to tell it just as it is - we all need each other, thanks Billybuc

Yes, we are to be His hands and feet reaching out in love to others, as He tells us, to love your neighbor, which means all of humanity, not only your next door neighbor, no matter what.

Love is the simple answer, as I always say . . . that true unconditional love without judgments.

If our hearts would be filled with love for others, this world would look a lot different right now, no doubt!.

Blessings, Faith Reaper

Billybuc, I agree with you. I will also like to share that the quote about more than we can bear actually states "tempted more than we can bear," specifically saying that we can always resist temptation. Even Christians have misquoted it and allowed themselves the frustration you describe. There are many burdens too heavy, as you cited.

Blessings my friend.. a wonderful hub you have here.. you are so wise my friend.. thank you for all you do for all of us.. I really do appreciate you and I love how you never give up..

sharing this gem

debbie

In the New Testament of the Bible, it says that God is Love. It also says that God so loved the world that he gave. . . The first act of love therefore is in giving to others. This is certainly a good place to start!

You need to put on blinders and turn off your brain in order to truly believe these things that the modern church instructs. It's a shame.

The Dalai Lama has about as much wisdom as you could possibly stuff into one person without causing the world to explode. That's science, my friend. :D

Once again, you be right on, Billy!

Actually, Bill, the people I am referring to believe it and lives their lives accordingly. They call it "faith". I would probably call it "blind faith" and you know how I feel about vision;)

My day is ok so far, trying to play a little catch up on hubpages before I go out to my "day job"

I hope your day is going well! I am about ready to send you some more of these searing temperatures....just let me know when you are ready!

This is a real gem Bill. You are doing a great service to those who read your work. I hope that number multiplies.

Bill, my friend, I am so glad that you and people like you are taking up the relay and running with it. As you said, different people react to the burdens of the world in different ways.

When I was younger, I was just the opposite of what you were. I had to be surrounded by people and noise. Then I learned the value of true friendship and to be selective of my friends. I learned I didn’t need 300 “friends” when six true friends would do quite nicely, actually five now because one died recently. We, along with several others, formed a group that met twice monthly and meditated for the benefit of the world. We had been doing this since 1978, but then health problems caused us to stop meeting on a regular basis. This is H.O.W. we contribute to the world. We still stay in contact and occasionally have a meditation because we want to. I love your quotes from Deepak Chopra, because he is one of the authorities that we studied during our meditation sessions. Other people are forming groups of this nature, so take heart.

One other thing I would like to point out (a religious and political hot potato) is that religious and ethnic groups are fighting ferociously against a one world government. My opinion is that as long as this separation is maintained, we will never attain the H.O.W. that you so felicitously advocate in your wonderful hubs. Voted up+++

So true. While the original, "God will not give you more than you can handle" can be be comforting and a good booster in certain situations, it can be detrimental in others. I sometimes envy the people who believe in and live by these edicts. On the other hand, I don't really want to be around them when the bubble bursts! Thank you, Bill, for as always, a freat viewpoint!

Beautifully stated my friend. I need you!

Billy,

I love these words that you speak... I hope others will love them too! Why does love, appreciation and mutual respect seem to be such a hard concept for some people to understand? Don't get me wrong, we all have things that get us down and we all struggle with personal relationships, but as bad as my worst day is... I love my neighbor and I can say that with all honesty. I might not want to have dinner with the weird guy down the street, but I still have an appreciation and respect for him, as I do for people thousands of miles away.

Keep inspiring Billy!

Cat

Bill, this was an excellent hub with a very powerful message I can feel the passion behind your words as you cry real tears. voted++

No one can refute a thing you've said my friend. We need each other not just to survive but to live. I agree and admit, I need you, I need my brothers and sisters all over this world.

"A flower cannot blossom without sunshine, and man cannot live without love."- Max Muller We both know its all about love!

Voted up, useful, awesome, and interesting.

Bill, we do need each other and couldn't agree more about love and be kind to all mankind. I try very hard to live my life accordingly and like this, too. And I love that you feel pretty much the same on this. Thank you for sharing and hope you are having a wonderful Wednesday now!!