the fire journey

“God doesn’t give us more than we can handle.”

Chances are, you’ve heard this saying before. It is often quoted when someone needs comfort in the midst of suffering or hard times, and it can be an encouraging notion to think that God takes into account our personal strength and would not let difficult life experiences overwhelm us.

But the truth is, this particular platitude is a lie.

Nowhere in scripture does it say that God doesn’t give us more than we can handle – in fact, Paul himself talks about facing more than he could endure, even to the point that he “despaired of life itself.” (1 Corinthians 1:8-9) It is clear here that even in the Bible God lets life experiences overwhelm His people.

But that’s not the end of the story.

He gives us more than we can handle so that we learn to trust that He can handle it. In Matthew 11:28, Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Life is hard. It should be no surprise to us when we become exhausted, drained, and feel downright defeated. But every form of suffering is an opportunity to turn to God. He may not remove the suffering – in fact most of the time he does not “fix” our problems – but His promise is that he will always be with us through it and we do not suffer alone.

Additionally, He gives us more than we can bear so that we abound in daily opportunities to bear each other’s burdens. Galations 6:2 is proof of how important it is that we share our suffering with each other, and that we were never meant to carry the weight of the world alone: “Carry each another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” This is partly why He tells us not to neglect to meet with other believers; to encourage each other, to build each other up, and to help each other in practical ways. Jesus isn’t on earth anymore, so we are to be Jesus to each other.

In my own experience, God has given me MUCH more than I can handle when it comes to mental illness; schizoaffective disorder affects my whole life, and I know what Paul meant when he said he “despaired of life itself.” But, God has also given me my faith. My family. The most supportive husband in the world. Medication. Other Christians who care about me. And a million other gifts in my life and in nature that remind me on a daily basis that He is everywhere.

To those who are suffering it is not helpful to hear “God doesn’t give us more than we can handle.” It puts too much emphasis on our own limited strength, when in reality people everywhere are facing situations they cannot handle, every day, no matter how strong they are.

But the truth is, no matter what happens, He works all things together for the good of those who love Him.

The truth is, God doesn’t give us more than HE can handle.