> I always thought the proverb in question applied any and all tests. Dear Dean,
The context in which I've read the proverb did not say anything about tests whatsoever. It seems to have more to do with our not feeling over-burdened by obligations. Here are the contexts in which I found the passage: All the friends of God . . . should contribute to the extent possible, however modest their offering may be. God doth not burden a soul beyond its capacity. Such contributions must come from all centers and all believers. . . . O Friends of God! Be ye assured that in place of these contributions, your agriculture, your industry, and your commerce will be blessed by manifold increases, with goodly gifts and bestowals. He who cometh with one goodly deed will receive a tenfold reward. There is no doubt that the living Lord will abundantly confirm those who expend their wealth in His path. 'Abdu'l-Bahá, in Bahá'í Prayers, p. 84 (Compilations, NSA USA - Developing Distinctive Baha'i Communities) Although potentialities differ in degree, not a single soul is completely bereft of capacity. Indeed, progress in this world is dependent on that preordained measure and the manner in which people fulfill their God-given potentiality. Accordingly our responsibility is commensurate with our capacity, as it is said: "God will not burden any soul beyond its capacity." (The Universal House of Justice, 1997 Mar, BAHA 154 - From Persian, To Iranian Believers) In both contexts the messages seems to be that we can all serve but no one should imagine that God wants us to be overburdened. Keeping that passage in mind can prevent burn-out. warmest, Susan The information contained in this e-mail and any attachments thereto ("e-mail") is sent by the Johnson County Community College ("JCCC") and is intended to be confidential and for the use of only the individual or entity named above. The information may be protected by federal and state privacy and disclosures acts or other legal rules. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are notified that retention, dissemination, distribution or copying of this e-mail is strictly prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error please immediately notify JCCC by email reply and immediately and permanently delete this e-mail message and any attachments thereto. Thank you. __________________________________________________ You are subscribed to Baha'i Studies as: mailto:archive@mail-archive.com Unsubscribe: send a blank email to mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe: send subscribe bahai-st in the message body to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe: http://list.jccc.edu:8080/read/all_forums/subscribe?name=bahai-st Baha'i Studies is available through the following: Mail - mailto:bahai-st@list.jccc.edu Web - http://list.jccc.edu:8080/read/?forum=bahai-st News - news://list.jccc.edu/bahai-st Public - http://www.escribe.com/religion/bahaist Old Public - http://www.mail-archive.com/bahai-st@list.jccc.net New Public - http://www.mail-archive.com/bahai-st@list.jccc.edu