How many times have you heard the claim, “God won’t give you more than you can handle?” You likely hear it most when you’re going through a difficult season. Some well-intentioned, but ill-informed friends try to console you with this “truth.” However, it only leaves you feeling worse. You may feel weak or alone. Or you may wonder if you’re a “bad Christian,” some kind of lesser believer because you just can’t seem to handle it on your own. So is this statement biblical? What does God actually say? Let’s dig into God’s word together to find out.
WHERE DOES THE STATEMENT COME FROM?
It sounds biblical, doesn’t it? A portion of it actually is! But instead of talking about painful times, God won’t give you “more than you can handle” when it comes to another area of struggle – temptation.
The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure
That certainly is great news if you’re dealing with a temptation to sin! It won’t be too much to handle, and He always provides a way out. However, applying that same promise about temptation to all levels of human suffering isn’t a jump that the rest of Scripture makes.
Friend, take some comfort knowing that “God won’t give you more than you can handle” appears nowhere in Scripture.
NOWHERE.
In fact, in Paul’s life we see the opposite.
GOD GAVE PAUL MORE THAN HE COULD HANDLE
Paul is regarded as a hero of the Christian faith. He turned from persecutor of the church to one of its most outspoken missionaries on the road to Damascus. Surely this well-educated spiritual giant who saw first hand the power of Christ could handle anything life threw at him, right?
Wrong.
For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead.
Paul was repeatedly given more than he could handle throughout his missionary journeys. But in those painful moments where he nearly lost his life, he learns not to rely on himself. Instead, he can rely on God. And so can you.
3 PROMISES FOR WHEN YOU'RE GIVEN MORE THAN YOU CAN HANDLE
A quick glance around Scripture reveals promises from God that give us comfort in the midst of your seasons that are simply too much. Take note of any that stand out to you. Write it down and keep it in a place easily seen so it’s there when you need it. Memorize it if you can!
RELATED: Why Memorize Scripture? 3 Great Reasons and Tips to Help
I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
When life gets physically, emotionally, or mentally overwhelming, you’ve got a Helper you can focus on. And because God is right there next to you, He’ll hold you steady when everything around you seems to be crumbling.
Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
Your Maker carefully handcrafted you. He’s interested in every detail of your life from beginning to end. He most certainly cares about the difficulties you face. So He promises to carry, sustain and rescue you when life gives you more than you can handle.
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 of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Yes, you are weak. Incredibly so. No, you can’t handle it on your own. But that’s ok. He gives you a grace that’s sufficient and the power of Christ himself.
Friend, maybe you can’t handle it. But Jesus can.
RELATED: What Does the Bible Say About Peace? 3 Reliable Promises
WHAT ENCOURAGES YOU?
What other passages of scripture help you when you’re enduring season too difficult to bear? Tell us in the comments!
2 thoughts on “Does God Give You More Than You Can Handle? Yes!”
This is so absolutely perfect for me right now. I have been through things in my life that I was sure I couldn’t handle. When I got to the other side I realized that my prayers were answered I made it through. God has always brought me through all of my trials. I have fibromyalgia and I’m in great deal of pain constantly. There are days when I look at God and say I can’t do this by myself I need your help. Funny thing is I make it through the day. Doesn’t really surprise me. When I’m at my lowest point and it feels like I just wanna jump , I remember his love and his care and know that this too shall pass. And it does. I choose positivity because I know my Lord and Savior loves me and he has my back. Thank you for this so much. It was a tough morning but guess what I made it through. Praise God!
Thank you for sharing your story!