Too Much on the Plate
Most of us are familiar with the saying, “They’ve got a lot on their plate.” It describes those whose responsibilities are large to begin with and become more numerous than most can handle simultaneously with their common duties. There are revisions to the statement, such as “They have too many things on too small a plate,” and “Their plate overflows.” We understand, and in our attempts to comfort those who are overwhelmed with concerns, we will say things like, “God never gives us more than we can bear,” thinking the phrase is scripture. (It isn’t, but it is a misquotation and misapplication of 1 Corinthians 10:13).
But to the point: Many are overloaded with responsibilities, most of which are not of their making, but have increased their already heavy load. Of these, we stand in admiration as they do so without complaint, and try desperately to hide their exhaustion, their frustration, and especially their need for help! These are true examples of obedience to 1 Peter 5:7. They, like the psalmist, prove the validity of Psalm 18:2, 28:7, and Isaiah 12:2. They exemplify the apostle Paul’s life as he described it in 2 Corinthians 12:9 –10.
Burdens of life are inescapable. They humble the mighty, and too often crush the weak. Sadly, observers watch and offer a not-so-sincere, “If there’s something I can do to help.” But there is something we faithful ones can do and need to do with frequency and fervency. We can pray!
Let’s take Paul for our example: He was given a “thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan” (2 Corinthians 12:7). That would be a plate full for anyone! (As an aside, have you ever considered “the thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan” being two in the same thing? Rather than a physical abnormality like blindness or speech impediment, what if that “thorn” is “the messenger of Satan”?) Paul prayed three times for its removal, and God said, “NO! My grace is sufficient for thee.” Paul mentions nothing more about it: he accepted his plight and never ceased praying for the well-being of others in the kingdom of Christ!
It is evident that Paul accepted the responsibilities he could care for and asked God to care for the rest. Further, he kept his focus on the most important responsibility, namely, serving God faithfully so he could receive the crown of life, HEAVEN! To the church at Philippi, he wrote, “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13 – 14) He encouraged Timothy by saying, “But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:5-8) Yes, he had a lot on his plate, but with God, increased faith, and lots of prayer, he carried the plate!
Yes, we are ready to bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2), but you must let us! And yes, we understand that there are burdens only the individual can bear – but not alone! We have God, we have increasing faith, we have prayer, and we have each other! There’s room on our plate!
