God Will Never Give You More Than You Can Handle

Scripture: No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it.   1 Corinthians 10:13 (NRSV)

You’ve probably heard this line before, “God will never give you more than you can handle.” It sounds encouraging until life slaps you in the face. A hard diagnosis, death of a friend or a loved one, a mental health event, a tragic flood. The loss of everything. Suddenly, that line doesn’t feel very comfortable anymore it feels like a burden. Because what if you can’t handle it? Friends to be honest 1 Corinthians 10:13 is not saying, “You got this on your own.” It’s not about being strong enough, it’s about God being faithful enough. Paul is writing to a struggling church and he’s not telling them they’ll never suffer or struggle. He’s saying that they are not alone in what they’re facing. Others have walked the same road. God is faithful and God will not abandon you in the trial. God will always make a way through, maybe not necessarily out of it, but through it. This verse isn’t a pat on the back. It’s a hand to hold. This verse really tells us that life will give you more than you can handle. But it will never give you more than God can handle, with you. God doesn’t always provide an escape route but God will give you strength to endure.

Consider this:

• When you’re overwhelmed, don’t see it as a weakness or a failure but use it to lead you     to dependence on God ’s strength.
• Instead of gritting your teeth and pushing through alone, try saying, “God, this is too much for me. But not too much for You. Show me the way through.”

Prayer: God, I confess that sometimes I feel like I’m drowning and I hear people say that “You’ll never give me more than I can handle,”but Lord—sometimes I can’t handle it and thank you that I don’t have to.You are faithful.You don’t abandon me in temptation, pain, or hardship.You walk me through it. Help me trust Your way—not mine.Amen.