We’ve all done it. We’ve all said things that don’t line up with what God says. Near daily. And one of my (least) favorite sayings offered in the face of life’s challenges, “Well, God won’t give you more than you can handle.” Why is it my least favorite? Because it’s a load of…cr@p. And not biblical. And it makes me feel heavy with discouragement when I can’t handle what life brings.
Please don’t leave here feeling condemnation if you’ve said it. We’ve all said it. We’ve all said lots of things that aren’t biblical, with really good intentions.
The truth is that God often allows more than we as his children in our humanity can handle. Because this life isn’t about us as humans being capable. This life is about us as humans learning dependence upon him.
Bottom line, when left to me, I can’t be a good, homeschooling mom of three kids. I can’t accomplish all the things God leads me to do. I can’t live with peace in the midst of trial or joy in the midst of loss. I’m incapable.
But God.
When I take that feeling of being overwhelmed with life’s challenges as a cue to worship, things change. I change. Because worship stirs his Spirit. Worship leads us into his presence — the place of peace, joy, hope, healing, and love. Worship changes our perspective. It reminds us of Who sits on the throne of heaven in complete control. The One who graciously empowers.
“Oh come, let us worship and bow down;
let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!
For he is our God,
and we are the people of his pasture,
and the sheep of his hand.”
Psalm 95:6-7
Until Jesus comes, you and I will continue to have tasks and seasons and relationships that go way beyond our capabilities. Way beyond. But God is huge. And when he calls us to something huge, he stands ready to empower our feet to walk forward by faith and in victory.
Oh, may we be slow to speak, filtering our words through the truth of God’s Word. And may we be quick to worship, eyes steadfast upon him…regardless.
Fill me, Lord…
What huge thing is God calling you to walk in these days?
What promises from Scripture most encourage you?
One of my current huge tasks: next week’s launch of Million Praying Women! And let me just tell you. God is unfolding some exciting things. Click here to find out more.
I’m in such a season right this very moment. So thankful that I don’t have to measure up or perform….relying on God big time to accomplish some work-related tasks. The promise I’m clinging to? Isaiah 26:3.
“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”
And then I pray that my eyes would actually stay on Him and that I would actually trust Him. 😉
Oh girl. I echo that prayer. I love that phrase “perfect peace”. It’s so true. We’re a distractible bunch. Praying we keep our eyes stayed on Him!
Boy does this hit home. Recently I have had the occasion to say or hear God won’t give you anything you can’t handle. My answer to them was 3 fold. I said he must have higher expectation of me than I do. because if I was to be learning something I was not getting it or if someone else was to see and learn from my experiences they better start paying attention. Last March I had the loss of a brother, 2 grandfather figures and a best friend. Two on the same day. Another close friend ended up with blood clot in his lungs. The next month started off with the husband of a friend being killed on his motorcycle by a drunk driver, without a drivers license and my brother in law refusing further dialysis treatments. Yes, does give you more than you think you can handle because by stretching you grow, people who need you see you as open and can come to you. I am a administrative assistand and work in a Christian Senior living center and more residents were able to talk to me about their sudden lose of a spouse, a dear friend. Was it my job to do this yes and no. Work wise no but as a child of God yes. Fortunately I have the training and could lead them to the chaplain who works here. Without my experience these wonderful hurting people may not have been able to grieve passionately. Do I miss my brother and all my friends and I totally understand. I told my grandson, Jesus came down and said Ernie if you want to walk on 2 legs again you have to come home with me. And he did. Amen the end of my sermon. Thanks for listening.
We comfort with the comfort we receive. Such truth. Praying that He strengthens you to walk today, and then tomorrow, come what may. Blessings, Margie.
Love this! I’ve frequently challenged people when they say this. It’s not a Biblical idea. God frequently gives us more than we can handle so we’ll realize that only He can handle it. Thank you for shedding light on this lie. Miss you, sweet friend!
Miss you too, Becky! And yes He does. Much more. xo
LOVED this. I’ve heard it put this way: “God will ABSOLUTELY give you more than you can handle, but never more than He can handle.” The scripture that most encourages me in these situations is ‘Be still {cease striving} and Know that I am God’… it reminds me to rest in Him and in His strength when I feel overwhelmed or inadequate.
“Never more than He can handle.” Amen. So true. And He can handle all of it. Praying we turn to Him and know that He alone is God. Blessings to you, sister-friend!
Thank you for this post. Lately I have been feeling extremely extremely overwhelmed especially with my job. Have been trying to hold it together with much prayer. Lara your words have been a real inspiration to me here on your blog and in the Life giver. Thank you 🙂
I was looking for the verse “when we were overwhelmed…” (same name as a blog post I’m currently drafting) and came across this blog!
So awesome:) Thank you for this. We have so much in common. I hope to read more from you!
Subscribing RIGHT NOW:)
God Bless you!!
Lina Amakye
http://www.truegracelovelina.com