Day 58 or February 27. Don't worry, be happy now.
Our thoughts today are rooted in Deuteronomy chapter 30 verse 11. Now what I am commanding
you today is not too difficult for you, or beyond your reach.
First the big picture surrounding this verse. Deuteronomy is made up of the last three sermons
of Moses, and today we are looking at the beginning of the third one. He reminds the
people of their covenant with God, which takes care of the future in a world which will see
them entering and conquering an alien land. This will prove to be some of the last words
of Moses, just before he passes leadership on to Joshua, whom God has already chosen.
And now today's action step. No, it's too hard for me. I can't manage
it. I seem to hear that more than I ever used to. In a world where people seem to give up
so easily, the Bible has some encouraging words for us. There are times in life when
I have doubted, usually at times of illness or when family or work is particularly stressful.
It's significant that Moses tells the people that God is not demanding more than they can
manage. The Apostle Paul says a similar thing in 1
Corinthians chapter 10 verse 13. The temptations in your life are no different from what others
experience and God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can
stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.
It seems to me that Moses and Paul were responding to an issue that they were sure would arise
and God had already anticipated it with his written guarantee. Most people have times
when they think they are not going to be able to cope. If you are having doubts, be assured
God will not be taken by surprise when you question him. Actually, he is expecting it.
So when you feel like giving up or you are just overwhelmed by what's happening in your
life, remember God has helped loads of people like you before and is ready to see you through
it too. All you have to do is ask.