Notes of Faith March 18, 2026
Pastor’s Pen Pulpit
August 19, 2001
“NO MORE THAN YOU CAN BEAR”
I Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it.
In I Corinthians 10:13 Paul assures us that God will not allow more than we are able to bear. Sometimes what we are called to bear is others’ pressures. They can be devastating, especially if they are pressures relating to our children. We worry and wonder what we can do. The more we think about it the more frustrated we become. Three of our children are in crisis situations at this writing. How we hurt watching them hurt and how helpless we feel not being able to “fix it”.
God is so good to alleviate the pressure, although He doesn’t take it away. He does, however, lighten the load considerably. I am also reminded that the primary purpose is to strengthen my faith (James 1:3-4).
The first thing we should do is go to Him in prayer. There is something about prayer that is very consoling (I John 5:14-15). What a comfort it is to know that our Heavenly Father can “fix it” - far better than we - and He knows the very best way to work things out, so we leave our children in His hands.
So what pressures are you experiencing today? Do they seem more than you can bear? Just remember “There is no testing that has taken you that is not common to man but - GOD IS FAITHFUL”.
God has not promised skies always blue,
Flower strewn pathways, all our lives through.
God has not promised sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.
But God HAS promised strength for the day,
Rest for the weary, light for the way,
Grace for the trial, help from above,
Unfailing sympathy, undying love.
So, beloved, look at your pressures straight on, and thank God that He has chosen you to undergo this trying time! God bless.
Love to you all,
Pastor Charles Covington
James 1:2-4
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
2 Peter 2:9
The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation…
Heb 2:18
For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.
Heb 4:15-16
For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. 16 Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
James 1:13-15
Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. 15 Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.
Gal 6:1-2
Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. 2 Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.
Let us consider the temptations and sufferings of Jesus, pick up our cross daily and follow Him, striving to live holy and acceptable lives to God. He will lead, guide and direct our path and bring us, at journeys end to our eternal home with Him!
Pastor Dale