Lies I Believe Part 5: God Won't Give Me More Than I Can HandleSample

THE LIE

Reflection:

Chances are you have heard it said, “God won’t give you more than you can handle.” We mean it to be a source of comfort during a particularly long or difficult season. We mean it as a word of encouragement to someone who is exhausted and overwhelmed. But the sentiment itself is rarely comforting or encouraging, and even more, it is not Biblical, and it is not true. Suggesting that we will only face trials that we can manage on our own tends to sow confusion in and condemnation in those who find themselves in impossible situations. Presenting this as a promise from God plants roots of bitterness toward God when the person inevitably realizes that they cannot handle this thing on his or her own.

So where did this idea come from? It’s likely a misapplication of a promise made to believers in 1 Corinthians 10: 13, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”

By reading this verse in context, we can see that God promises to provide a way out when we are tempted to sin. In 1 Corinthians 10 the apostle Paul directly addressed situations in which believers were being enticed toward the sin of idolatry. It’s about temptations, not troubles. It is important to understand that this promise applies to moments of decision where a believer must choose God over the empty promises of sin. In situations of persecution, struggle, and pain that are the result of living in a broken world, we are not promised the ability to handle things on our own. Over the next few days we will explore reasons why God can and often does allow more than we can handle—for our good and for His glory.

Ask Yourself:

Have you ever fallen prey to the lie that God will not give you more than you can handle? How did you feel when your best efforts did not seem to help at all?

Have you ever misapplied a passage of scripture by quoting it out of context (even with the best intentions)?

Pause to Pray:

Father God, I thank you for giving us your Word to lead and guide us. Help me to slow down and seek an ever deepening understanding of all that your Word promises. Please grant me clarity today on . . .

Take a Next Step:

Meditating on examples of temptations and troubles in the scriptures can help us better recognize how God responds to us in each. Read Matthew 26: 36-45 to get started. How does the temptation of the disciples differ from the cup of Jesus?