Debunking the Myth, Part 1
When going through hardships, we like to believe God doesn’t give us more than we can handle. I used to rely on this concept knowing that whatever came my way, would not be more than I could bare. I had been a Christian for more years than I’d like to admit when my Pastor ( Pastor Garry) said, “you know, that’s not in the Bible.” I couldn’t believe it! So many people say it in so many different situations, it was almost common knowledge. And I had relied on this belief to get me through many circumstances. I had to sort this out.
I found that God doesn’t give us more than we can handle was derived (somehow) from 1 Cor 10:13, which states: No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
I had one of those moments where the theme song for “The Reading Rainbow” ran through my head, in conjunction with the advertisement that “Reading is Fundamental”. Was I misunderstanding the scripture? He will not let you be tempted beyond hour ability and saying God doesn’t give us more than we can handle are two different concepts.
When going through hardships, as we are taught in the book of Job, God filters everything that comes our way (Job 1:12). We are taught in Ephesians 6:13 to utilize the armor of God to be victorious in any evil situation. Yet, this does not mean God does not give us more than we can handle. What scripture teaches us is that He will give us more than we can handle because He wants us to rely on Him through the hardships, (Psalm 91:14-16)
We all go through difficult and trying times in our lifetime. “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed (2 Co 4:8-9). During these times, God wants us to reach out to Him. His promise in Psalm 34:17 States, When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. To believe God wants us to die in our diseases or to believe His plan is to remain suffering is not truth. The God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast (1 Peter 5:10).