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by Ruth O’Neil
Sitting outside on a beautiful, albeit windy, spring day, I watched a carpenter bee that was occupying itself by eating my porch. At least until it got caught in a gust of wind. He sure did struggle to stay in the same place, and somehow he managed to do it. He weathered the storm he had found himself in. He must have known he could hang on for a moment and that the storm would eventually pass.
There are windy days that come into our lives as well; times we feel tossed about so much we can hardly catch our breath. While in the midst of the stormy days, we may feel like they will never end, but rest assured, they will.
One phrase I hear often, and don’t particularly like, is, “God will never give you more than you can handle.” I don’t think that’s true. Why? First of all, because no verse in the Bible states that. In fact, the Bible tells us in John 16:33, “In this world you will have trouble.” Secondly, because humans are stubborn and think we can do everything by our own power. Maybe there are times when God finds the need to knock us down a few pegs, remind us that we are not the all-powerful ones. We need to recognize our need for Him. Those moments when we don’t feel as if we can hang on and face the overpowering winds, are the times we need to look to God and seek Him and His help.
Jesus knows where we are. He experienced these feelings as well in the Garden of Gethsemane just before His crucifixion. He went to His heavenly Father in prayer. “Then he said to them, ‘My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death‘” (Matthew 26:38 NIV). The outcome was the same – crucifixion – but with the Father by His side, He was able to face whatever came His way. “He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done” (Matthew 26:42).
It is true that when we have God on our side we can accomplish anything. We just have to remember without God we can do nothing; with Him, we can do anything.
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).
And remember John 16:33 from earlier? There’s more to that verse. “But take heart! I have overcome the world.” What a comforting thought that is!
About the Author:
Ruth O’Neil has been writing for over 20 years. She has published hundreds of articles in numerous publications. She loves to touch the emotions when she writes. “If I can make one person laugh or cry, I’ll consider myself successful.” Her first novel “Come Eat at My Table” has just come out in ebook form and can be purchased on her website. She homeschools her three children (well, one now, as two have graduated). She and her husband have been married for 20-plus years. In her spare time she enjoys quilting, crafting, and reading. You can visit her on her blog at ruths-real-life (dot)blogspot.com or her website at ruthoneil (dot)weebly.com
