God, I just can't take this anymore!

God, I just can't take this anymore! Just how many times have you uttered
this statement when you were going through a rough time? I know that I
have. I did until I read 1 Corinthians 10: 13 NKJV. It reads, "No
temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is
faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but
with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able
to bear it."

The world, because of man's fall has two sides to it. The most prevalent is
the world that Satan offers. This side of the world offers temptations too
numerous to count or go over in this short word. But some are right at the
top of the list, especially in today's culture of self seeking and self
gratification above anything or anyone else. These are pornography,
alcoholism, drug abuse, homosexuality, promiscuity, and violence. But you
must remember that we as Christians are in the world but not OF the world.
(1 John:3NKJV) Because of the fall of man (Adam and Eve) we must live in
the world. But because we are the blood bought redeemed of God through the
death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we can rise above the world and all
the temptations in it. God does not leave us at the mercy of the world. We
can pray and call upon Jesus for strength in the time of temptation. And we
can walk away, praying with every step. There is nothing that we cannot
accomplish through Christ who strengthens us. (Philippians 4:13 KJV) When
we call upon our Savior, we open the gates of Heaven itself and enable
supernatural help and strength to come to us through Christ. Whether being
tempted or if already submerged in sin, we can call on the name of Jesus and
He will deliver us from all evil.

In another light, we sometimes are just going through a tough circumstance.
But if we focus on God, and what He may be teaching us, instead of the
circumstance itself, we will submit to our Heavenly Father and the
circumstance will be easier to get through with Him by our side. And
sometimes when we are going through a really rough trial, we pray and pray
and do not hear from God at all. That does not mean that He is not there.
I heard Paula White once say, "When the student is taking a test, the
teacher never speaks." That had such a profound impact on my prayer life.
I found that I could continue to pray to my Heavenly Father and more or less
talk my way through my circumstance by having faith and by applying the
knowledge that I had acquired from God over the years. And when I came out
of the trial, I was stronger and wiser for my ordeal. Sometimes God just
wants us to draw on wisdom that He has already instilled in us.

God does not give us anything in our life that we do not, through Him, have
the ability to overcome. THROUGH HIM. Not alone. One of the first things
you were taught about crossing the street when you were a child was to STOP,
LOOK, LISTEN, and only then, to PROCEED across the road. When life throws
you a tough situation you must STOP and pray to Jesus for calm. LOOK the
entire situation over and pray to God for wisdom and discernment. LISTEN
for God's reply which will come in the form of plans of attack and insight.
Then and only then PROCEED in faith. And after you come through, thank Him
and reflect on the wisdom you have gained through your trial.

Don't ever again cry out in desperation and frustration, "God I can't take
this anymore!", because this is just what the devil wants to hear. When you
turn from heavenly help, you put yourself in the path of the enemies
misguidance and you will fail. But if you cry out "I can do all things
through Christ who strengthens me!", then you summon the very powers of
heaven to your side. Get this deep into your soul and you will walk through
life saying, "That's right, I'm bad!". And you will have victory in Jesus
and that is a very good thing!.....Patti