The title of the article was made famous by one of my favourite Christian rock star, Gary Valenciano, in his song entitled “Take Me out of The Dark.” Although, one willn ot find the exact phrase in Scripture, I believe the truth was taken from 1 Corinthians 10:13.
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
While most preaching, including Mr. Gary V’s message, would apply this verse as an encouragement to all, stating that God will make sure that you can conquer every trial or temptation given to you; I, on the other hand, would like to use this verse in a different circumstance. I often use it in Christian Counselling to reveal to my clients how God works in answering our prayers.
While it is true that God won’t give us trials that we cannot bear, we also have to be aware that in the same principle, God will not give us gifts and blessings that will destroy us. So, if you are praying for this million dollar project or this huge promotion (or for the man of your dreams to come), always remember that God is more than willing to grant it to you. However, if this success or this sudden blessings of wealth will cost you your marriage or your health, then you can be sure that The Lord will hold it back from you.
Out of His love and mercy, The Lord will hold back these blessings even for a while, as His promises stand that: “He will not tempt you above what you are able” or that:
“If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, well he give him a stone? If he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?”
-Luke 11:12
If we ask our heavenly Father for life and happiness, why would He allow death and destruction to creep in our lives? Throughout my counselling days, I have witnessed several instances of how a loving marriage turned to bitter hatred because of a promotion in the workplace. As the husband was once a meek sales assistant, now he has to fly around Asia to entertain prospective clients in night clubs and bars. The promotion to sales director literally dissolved his marriage and destroyed his liver. What was once thought as a blessing turned out to be a stumbling block, a trap to a once God-filled marriage.
Success and money destroyed this man and God would not have this similar nonsense come near your life. When He knows the something would hurt you or destroy you, He will hold it back from you, less He sees another one of His child needlessly suffer.
So, are we to say that we will never be successful in our life? The answer is not “No”, but “Not yet”. Some of us were anointed at a very young age and some of us are still being groomed for our purpose (Jesus Christ himself began His ministry at the age of 30). So, today we ask ourselves when we pray: “Am I really ready for God’s blessings and work? Or will I be destroyed by it?” We wait patiently on Him as we hold on to the promise that:
He which began a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
-Philippians 1:6
Know that God knows exactly what we want, what we need, and most especially when we need it. We are continuously being groomed and edified for His purpose. So sit back and enjoy because when you are ready, the blessings that have been set aside for you will come in the name of Jesus Christ.