As I return from vacation, let me share something that David writes in 2nd Samuel 22 verse 18 – “He delivered me from my strong enemy, From those who hated me, for they were too strong for me. When I read this verse my mind went to what I hear a lot of people saying these days which is,“God will not give us more than we can handle.” What we read here in this verse is that David’s enemies were too strong for him. What I see is that God gave David more than he could handle with his enemies because they were too strong for him. You see I have a real problem with the idea that God will not give us more than we can handle because I think that God does give us more than we can handle.
Let me explain my position on this: many will automatically go to 1 Corinthians 10:13 which says, No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. When I read this verse I see it not saying God will not will not give us more than we can handle but I see it is saying that by ourselves the problems we face will be too much for us and that the only way we can endure problems that are too much for us is with Him.
Many say that God will not give you more than you can handle but they never go to God and they never really think about God except to add Him into their trite saying. When it comes around to this idea again, my mind again goes to another verse because the only way that we can make it through anything in life and through any problems is by abiding in Him. Jesus said in John 15:5 - I am the vine, you are the branches: He that abides in me, and I in him, the same brings much fruit: for without me you can do nothing. That is how we can make it through – by abiding in Him!
Here is what I think about all this talk about God not giving us more than we can handle. You see, I wholeheartedly believe that God will give us more than we can bear on our own but not more than we can bear with Him. When you try to take on life’s problems and issues all by yourself, you will fail, fall short, and really struggle. On the other hand, if you abide in Him and leave it all with Him – He will take it on his shoulders and you will be able to endure! Give it to Him and move forward allowing him to carry the weight of it all.
So yes God will give us more than we can handle alone but not more than we can bear if we abide in Him.
What are your thoughts? Does God give us more than we can handle or not?
