There is an old saying that I hear frequently that goes, “God will not give you more than you can handle.” I have heard it said by many believers and at some point in life, I most likely have repeated this.
Scripture does say God will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear, but that is different.
The phrase, “God will not give you more than you can handle,” cannot be found in Scripture. What can be found in Scripture is “God will give more than you can handle.”
2 Corinthians 1 as Paul was writing a church about some trials and suffering he had to endure he said this: “We were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely on God and not ourselves.”
There was so much for Paul to endure, that it was beyond his strength. Our sovereign God had permitted them to endure more than they could handle. Why? So Paul would know only God can get him through this. He could not do it.
There have been moments in my life where I had to tap out. I did not have the strength to make it and God absolutely provided the delivery.
In a world where do-it-yourself is heartily praised, we must, as believer, remember that it is “God who works in us both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:13)
Regardless of how much we grow in faith or how long we have been a believer, we rely on Him always.
S.D.G.