More Than You Can Handle

I am sure you have heard a preacher, teacher or friend make the following statement when trying to encourage you through a hard time: "God will never give you more than you can handle." Do you know that this is not Scriptural? This statement does not appear in the Bible. I think this cliche came about when people took
1 Corinthians 10:13 out of context. (Sort of like when people think "Cleanliness is next to godliness" is found in the Bible.)The NIV translation of 1 corinthians 10:13 states, "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." This is not a difficult Scripture to understand; it is very straightforward. It quite simply states that there will be no temptation which is so great that we cannot stand against it. Why? Because God will provide a way out, so that we can stand up under the temptation. It also states that any temptation you face will not be different from what other individuals may face in their own lives.

I believe God wants us to face situations that are too difficult for us to handle. For if we could handle every situation and nothing was too hard for us, why would we need God? Think about it for a few moments. When do you most earnestly seek God? When are you desperate for Him in your life? Isn't it always when you are facing a crisis and know not what to do? Isn't it when you get a bad diagnosis from the doctor, or your child is involved with drugs or alcohol, or you are facing marital problems? We have a tendency to look more intently and earnestly toward God when we need Him. That is our nature. God wants us to communicate with Him, to recognize our need for Him. After all, how would we know we needed a Savior if we could do everything for ourselves. Surely, we cannot provide our own salvation!

God knew we would face situations we could not handle and He gave us Scripture for those times, as well. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." Paul (disciple of Christ) was speaking here of his strength being present when He allowed Christ's power to rest on him.

The next time someone quotes that cliche, you will have a Biblical basis to correct the statment (in love, of course). When we go through times where our weakness is evident, what a joy to the soul to know that is when Christ's strength is perfect.

Have a great day and remember - God's mercies are new every morning!

Candy