How Much Can You Take Before You Break?

I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

We prepared for our week like any other week. My husband was preparing for his week at work. I was preparing menus, the school week, and multiple other things.  We were planning for our week night and weekend activities and commitments, our family time, etc.  It was an ordinary week…so I thought.

It started out Sunday when a nasty virus knocked my husband down. Monday my oldest son and I got sick. Tuesday, as my husband felt okay to go to work, he got hit with a mysterious, rapidly spreading infection in his lower leg that had the doctors baffled. After multiple types of treatments, it was finally under control but not enough to go to work (so he was laid up for the week). Still sick, I tried to hold down the fort. My 3-year old came down with hand, foot, and mouth disease the same day we had two confirmed cases of strep – me and my oldest son. By Friday we had 5 confirmed cases of strep. With both parents down, we were hard pressed to take care of our children and each other. We continued to pray.

How much can I take before I break? In all this I have peace. Why? I know the Lord is with us. I will not be knocked down for God is with me. Through the hard times, the times I am broken, tired, and weary, I know God is carrying me. As we continue to press through this season of sickness in our home, I called upon my prayer warriors to cover us and prayers were answered. Are we all better?…not yet. But we had friends grocery shopping for us and pot of hot chicken soup at our door! God is faithful.

When we decided as a family to fast and pray, I know the enemy didn’t like it. When I decided to pray boldly and faithfully, I know the enemy didn’t like it. He comes to steal, kill, and destroy and I sure am not going to let him take my JOY away. My JOY comes from the Lord.

How much can you take before you break? When you feel like you can’t handle one more thing, get down on your knees and let God carry you. Be encouraged when times are trying that God is with you. God doesn’t guarantee us a challenge-free life, but He does promise He will never leave you or forsake you. Press harder into Him through your trials and allow Him to sustain you and see you through. Continue to pray through your circumstances. Don’t give up! You will come out victorious!!! Be strong in Christ and reap the blessings God has waiting for you. He loves you.