"No temptation has taken you but what is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but with the temptation also will make a way to escape, so that you may be able to bear it."

- 1 Corinthians 10:13

"Daddy, can I help you?" It was my four-year-old son, Matt, who was watching me carry cartons of empty pop bottles to the car. Back then you could return them for a dime apiece, so after months of stacking them up in the garage, I was off to collect the cash bonanza.

I said, "Sure, Matt," and he picked up a carton of bottles and put them in the car. When we got to the store, he grabbed his carton of bottles and shuffled along next to me across the big parking lot. About half way to the store, obviously exhausted, he looked up and said, "Dad, I can't carry this anymore."

Count on it, I didn't say, "Listen, Kid, you started this, so pick up that carton right now and finish what you started!" Of course not!
I took the carton out of his hands, because I knew it was too heavy for him to handle. As his earthly father, I understood what his limits were and helped him carry the load.

Thankfully, our heavenly Father understands our load limit and comes alongside to help. It's hard to stick it out during difficult times when the trouble in our lives seems far too heavy and there is no end in sight. It's in times like these that we feel like giving up—like we can't go on. But God's Word reminds us that "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" (1 Corinthians 10:13). It's important to note that this verse is talking about more than just bearing up under temptation. In the original Greek, the word temptation actually means "all kinds of trials."

Ever feel like you're in the middle of all kinds of trials? The problem with problems is that they have a tendency to drain us of our strength—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. And that's when our adversary likes to launch his attack. When we're weak, he haunts us with thoughts like: How could a loving God allow this to happen? and God has brought you to this place and has just left you here. Or, You're beyond help—God can't help you now. But when you start thinking these thoughts, you need to know that they are flat out lies from the pit. You can be sure that they don't reflect God's heart for you during difficult times.

In the Old Testament, one of God's names is Jehovah Jireh—our provider—and He always lives up to His name. He stands ready to provide abundant grace so that we can bear up until He has finished His work in the trial (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). He gives us a peace that passes understanding as we trust and rely on Him with a grateful heart (Philippians 4:6-7). He gives wisdom to see our tough times from His point of view (James 1:5). He gives us the assurance that He will stick it out with us and not leave or forsake us, so that we can confidently say, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What man can do to me?" (Hebrews 13:6).

So, chin up! Our troubles and trials have not escaped the notice of the One who comes alongside to help when it seems like the load is too much to bear.

The One who knows your load limit promises to limit your load!

"And a servant of the Lord must be... patient."

- 2 Tim 2:24

Patience is coping with people's faults and failings.

Patience is controlling your attitude when you want to lose it.

Patience is not raising your voice when you're angry.

Patience is a soft answer.

Patience is giving people more time than you think you should.

It is bearing with people while they learn what you already know.

Patience will make you 'complete', the Bible says, "lacking nothing".

Patience is waiting for people and doing it with a great attitude.

Patience is not huffing, sighing, and 'losing it'.

Patience is ruling your spirit.

Be patient!

With others. With yourself. With God.

The timing of God is perfect.