I have heard that phrase often and never thought it was quite right, thanks for researching it. We are given more than we can handle to recenter us in the need to rely on God and not our self. In stressful moments when we are stretched, a friend taught me to use a breathing technique mentally saying "help me" on the inhale and "Jesus" while exhaling. I know that you have shared many examples of adversity and lifting the issue to God through prayer that the solutions present themselves. The transmission and radiator news doesn't sound like something glorious, but I am sure that this will also have some type of good ending. Perhaps a new song writing opportunity: when your radiator is overheating and transmission slipping, cool down and get moving with Jesus, sounds too country LOL.

There have been so many times in my life where someone with a kind heart has spoken that phrase to me, and inwardly I just wanted to screm. Mainly, because there have been times in the past few years where there was more than I could bear happening, mentally, spirituall, physically and emotionally. So like you I started searching and studying scripture and seeking Godly counsel as to whether my thoughts were right or wrong. The scripture in 2Cor. 1: 8-11 was one that was shared with me many times. And it took such a load off to know that yes, there are times when humanly the load is not bearable, but Praise God, for His deliverance in and through and over and above the circumstances. Will say a prayer for you today. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Good thoughts, Rich.

And here's a verse to encourage you as you "endure" that's on my heart today (thanks to a Lincoln Brewster song on the radio during my commute this morning):

Today is the day the LORD has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it!

Hi guys! saw this blog! we keep up/watch/pray for you guys through your fb page---seems like lots of stuff hitting at once! Pastor Russell was a living example of this today as he preached at his Dad's funeral. Your comments on this passage were very timely for us! We will keep you in our prayers as you go through this and would appreciate the same! Don't let the crazy NW Iowa weather keep you from every playing up here again!

Rich,

If I may, I would like to share something with you. I attend The Church at Bradford Road in Springville, AL. We had our monthly ladies meeting this past Sunday and the speaker was a lady named Kim Swafford that creates pottery. She made several "pots" while she was speaking and it was very interesting, the analogies that can be drawn from making pottery and our spiritual walk with our Lord. She said each pot is made for a specific purpose and depending on that purpose, each one has to be fired in a specific way. A pot that does not need to "hold" water doesn't have to be fired as hot. A pot that is designed to hold water and be durable has to be fired first at 1800 degrees and a second time at 2500 degrees farenheit. In comparison, our struggles in this life can be called fires.. the hotter the fire, the bigger the purpose God has in our lives, if we will only be obedient and listen to his voice. It sounds like you have been through some pretty heated fires lately, take courage.. God is using this time to strengthen you for a future purpose. I have experienced live worship with guys twice to date, at Area One in Destin, FL and again in Alexander, AL at Marshall Street Church's back to school bash. I know without a doubt you guys are anointed and you are going to be tested and put through fires so he can get you ready for the awesome things HE has planned for you. Stay strong, protect your families and keep your eyes focused on your calling. Love you all and cannot wait to enjoy live worship with you again in the future!

Sharon Thompson

hi i read your blog rich i am praying for you all that everything you ask for you shall recieve from god. i hope this verse helps it is a verse i give to my ladies at bible study and they find strength in this verse. i pray it helps those who need it. god bless to you all.

James 1:13 says, "When under trial, let no one say: "I am being tried by God." For with evil things God cannot be tried nor does he himself try anyone."

So God does not bring problems on us. He is not the source of the trials we may face, but he does allow us to be tried, and as the scriptures cited above explain, he will help us, if we rely on him.

hey rich,

am so sorry you are going through some rough stuff right now, i can tell you this, that i have been in the same boat the past few weeks and i thought for sure there was a black cloud over my life. it is tough, very tough at times to deal with so much at once, it is such a struggle, but remember there are so many around you in your life and that each day they give you the faith, hope and support, to get through it, God is there in our lives through so many that care and you are so very blessed, from family, from friends and from your faithful revivers. i hope this helps as you get through these tough times. see you at the covington show!

Gold. Your a good man Rick.

@Sharon Thompson

Wow! Thanks for the analogy. Touched my heart. Sometimes I wish the heat didn't have to be turned up so high, but I know the Creator has a purpose.

Hey Rich,
We keep Revive in our daily prayers
We'll be sure to keep you and Nicki in our prayers as well.

You all are a blessing!

Great breakdown of scripture guys! We tend to hear alot of phrases that sound really good but just arent biblical. God challenged me last year before a mission trip to the Ukraine. I knew he had called me to go on that mission trip but my employer went back on their word and refused to let me off. They stated they would fire me if I went. I prayed and sought counsel and knew God had called me to go. I went! Not only did I not get fired, when I got back I had an anonymous check in my mailbox for the exact amount of money I lost by going on the trip and not working and 3 months later i got the promotion of a lifetime and moved to a different company! God does work but only in His timing and He wants us to fully trust Him no matter how dark it gets. Keep going guys! See you in Roberta, GA Friday night!

I'm going through so much right now and at times I feel like I can't stand up under the weight. But thats exactly it: I CAN'T stand through all this by myself. I need God to hold me and carry me through each day. This post brought me to tears as I realized I was striving to "just get through this" instead of striving toward complete reliance on God. Thank you for sharing, I really needed to hear this.

So timely for my family. God is using your thoughts to strengthen our faith in him. Thanks for sharing, Rich!