Matthew chapter 25 verses 14-15 (NIV)
Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey.
1 Corinthians chapter 10 verse 13 (NIV)
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
2 Corinthians chapter 12 verse 9 (NIV)
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
As a young Christian, I used to feel sorry for the third servant in the parable of the talents. I didn’t really understand the lesson that Jesus was teaching, but today I saw it in a different light. The man gave to each servant according to his ability. The third servant was given what he should have been able to handle. In the parable we read that he lets his fear get the better of him and buries the talent. Paul reminds the Corinthians that God is faithful and will never put us in a situation that we can’t handle or bear. Even when we are weak, His power can move through us if we allow Him to. That’s where the third servant went wrong. It’s a timely reminder to me not to allow my anxiety about failure or letting God down to stand in my way. If God wants me to do something, He will make sure that I have what I need to do it, but He expects me to be obedient to what He requires of me.
Dear Lord,
Thank You that You know all of us well enough to use us according to the abilities You have given us and that You never put us into a situation that we are unable to handle, if we are obedient to what You ask of us. Help me therefore to walk in that truth and never let my fear prevent You moving in and through my life. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen