This saying is one of those that tends to pop up all the time…in counseling, in hospitals, in bible studies, in groups, in conversations and really anywhere when you hear someone is having a hard time. I am going to be honest here, when I hear it I tend to cringe. Many times I have to ask the Lord to help me stay quiet because it is one of those dangerous statements I have a hard time not reacting to; just like “God helps those who helps themselves” or “cleanliness is next to godliness”. I know at least from what I have learned in life and from the lives of others we can’t handle anything thrown at us. Just look at this past year, we have experienced separation, isolation, ridicule, loneliness, uncertainty, fear, abuses, hardships, loss, powerlessness and so much more. Now add that together with what many, if not all of us, have experienced in our lifetimes and we cannot by any means handle that much sorrow or heartache….ie trials.

The statement, God will not give you more than you can handle, comes loosely from scripture. In 1 Corinthians 10:13 the verse states “The only temptations that you have are the temptations that all people have. But you can trust God. He will not let you be tempted more than you can stand. But when you are tempted God will also give you a way to escape that temptation. Then you will be able to stand it” (ICB). Silly side note…I use the International Children’s Bible a lot it is very easy to read and understand. Many of the people I work with are new to this so simplicity is important the Holy Spirit does the rest :).

Did you catch that in the verse where it is talking about temptations, not trials of suffering but temptation to sin. Many times people use comforting statements like God will not give you more than you can handle in times of sorrow or trials of suffering. I can see how that could be mistaken and even become tempting to use it for other parts of life but Paul’s message here is clear throughout chapter 10 he is addressing temptations to sin, not trials of suffering. He clearly mentions temptations of sexual immorality (10:8), worship of idols (10:14), and worshiping two gods (10:21).

To tell a little girl that God won’t give her more than she can handle after being abused is a travesty. NO ONE can handle abuse, death, isolation, pain, heartache and so on. NO ONE! Even the men who walked with Jesus throughout His time on earth suffered severe abuse and many died as a result. Could they handle that? No! Even Paul himself talks about the thorn in his side in 2 Corinthians 12:7 this caused him great suffering. Was this something he handled? Our Savior also expresses sorrow and deep pain, knowing that He is about to suffer in Mark 14:33-34 “He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. ‘My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,’ he said to them. ‘Stay here and keep watch‘ “.

How does Jesus handle this deep excruciating pain? “Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. ‘Abba, Father,’ he said, ‘everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will” (Mark 14:35-36). He doesn’t, He gives it over to the Father. The disciples did the same gave the pain they had over to the Lord. Paul even states after he pleads with the Lord to take his suffering away that the Lord said “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). Paul proceeds to give it over to the Lord knowing His grace will carry him through.

My point is, not one of us can handle any suffering in life alone. If we tried we would end up deeply damaged inside emotionally, psychologically, and physically. Our God is a good God and doesn’t expect us to handle alone the sins others have put on us, the hardships we have put on ourselves, the suffering that comes from a world of broken people and sin. His grace is sufficient for you! Let Him handle it with you. He is the maker of heaven and earth. He loves you more than any human has the capacity to love. You are not alone, He will carry the burdens you have and your load will be light.

Even the messes we make for ourselves He helps us handle those, remember Peter. Peter betrayed Christ three times and later on when Jesus came to meet with the disciples after His resurrection He gave Peter the opportunity for repentance. “Peter do you love me” He asked three times in John 21:15-17.

We can handle all things with Jesus. His grace is enough.