Heavy Discussion

Ok, so I was at my Stephen Ministry group tonite and we were talking about the book that the founder of the ministry wrote called 'Don't Sing Songs to a Heavy Heart". We were discussing the common sayings among Christians that really are not found in the bible like, 'God doesn't give you more than you can handle". Actually although people quote it as a biblical truth, the Bible does not state it. It is loosely based on 1 Corinthians 10:13. No temptation has seized you except what is commmon to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. This passage actually refers to resisting temptation, not at all about bearing up under pain and suffering. The context of this verse clearly points to temptation, not suffering.

On discussion, we felt that most Christians are simply trying to offer up encouragement and hope that maybe it won't get worse, or whatever happens, God is with you and will help you. However, a person who is hurting might feel the burden even worse in that they aren't doing a good job at 'overcoming' or 'dealing with their burden' and end up feeling worse.
Another part of "God doesn't give you..." Why add to the burden of a hurting person by saying that God is causing the suffering? Come on people!

Basically, when bad things happen, people don't need platitudes and cliches; they need to be able to lean on each other and support one another. Hopefully, that is what this ministry is all about. I continue to learn things from our meetings and surprisingly, from the people who we are giving care to. What goes around, comes around. I like that saying and I think it works out to be true.