Three Angels Broadcasting Network Devotional
Beyond Measure

By Shelley Quinn October 7

“We were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life.” 2 Corinthians 1:8

COVID-19 death statistics are staggering and heart-wrenching. Each number represents a life cut short in an undignified manner and families mourning a lost opportunity to say goodbye or hold a proper funeral service. Closed businesses and unemployment are more than worrisome economic indicators. For many, these represent a life-and-death struggle to feed their families.

Against this tragic backdrop, unreported cases of human suffering continue. Just this morning, two unrelated friends of mine—both of whom are struggling to recover from recent major surgeries—texted to announce a loved one had succumbed to cancer. It was a saintly mother in one case, and a beloved niece in the other. Trying to maintain stiff upper lips, both bravely put forward the idea that God will not put on us what is beyond our measure to bear.​

I often hear people say this, but is it biblical? For certain, the Apostle Paul tells us our faithful God will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear. God always makes a way of escape from temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13). But, is it accurate to say earthly circumstances can never overwhelm the faithful because God simply won’t allow us to endure burdens beyond measure?

Paul wrote about his own despair, saying, “For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead.” 2 Corinthians 1:8–9.

“Burdened beyond measure”—that is Paul’s admission of earthly circumstances that mounted to more than he could humanly bear. But why would our faithful God not intervene to prevent such trials? Paul answers that question for us, “that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead.”

When crushing burdens become unbearable, it is not a lack of faith to admit it. Paul did! Go to God in prayer. Cast your burdens on Him, because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). He loves you with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3). God demonstrated His love by becoming a man and dying on a cross to pay your sin penalty. Seek Him with all your heart! He has a plan for your life (Jeremiah 29:11–13), and He will carry you in His everlasting arms (Deuteronomy 33:27). Weeping may endure for a night, but God’s mercies that bring joy are new every morning (Psalm 30:5, Lamentations 3:23).

“Beyond measure” describes God’s love for you. “Beyond measure” describes God’s grace toward you. Allow Him to lift your burdens today. Our God of hope will fill your heart with joy and peace—beyond measure!