I’m sure you’re familiar with the saying: “God won’t give you more than you can handle.”
You may even equate it to the scripture in 1 Corinthians 10:13: “God is faithful; he will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able.”
Can you see the resemblance between the two?
However, the first phrase is not found in the Bible. I encourage you to read the entire chapter of 1 Corinthians 10, as it will give background understanding to what Paul was talking about.
Reader’s Digest Version – Paul is speaking of those who left Egypt. They had a cloud by day and fire by night. Those who had manna from heaven to eat, their sandals didn’t wear out, and drank from a rock. Miracle upon miracles all around, but even though God provided, the people grumbled and took their eyes off God, looking at a golden calf.
So why do I mention this passage of scripture and commonly used phrase?
Honestly, I’ve been thinking about the phrase for a little while now. A lot has gone on with me and my family in the past few years. I won’t disclose the exact details, but let’s say it is A LOT in a short amount of time; and it has worn us all down.
So, the other day the phrase came to mind again – God will never give you more than you can handle. But I’m not sure about this common statement.
- I don’t personally believe God pours out temptation or hardship upon His people.
- I do believe we all face temptations and hardships though – we live in a fallen world; much of which is run by humans who don’t seek the will and leading of God in daily life. Scripture says, “In this world you will have trials. But be of good courage, because I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
Bad stuff happens and no one would argue with that statement; however, we can stand strong even amid the most challenging events of this life…
How?
The answer is simply GOD! You see, when we do not rest in the faithfulness, love, grace, power, strength, and leading of GOD, the trials and hardships of this world will crush us. In fact, apart from God, those events will overcome us. They will steal our attention, disrupt our peace, and take us off course.
When we anchor ourselves in God, there is no storm that will overtake us. As we keep our gaze steady on the God of our Salvation, our Peace will remain even during the greatest of shakings. WHY? Because HE IS OUR PEACE.
The things of this world draw our attention from the only ONE who deserves our attention (even with things that seem truly valid – i.e. – sickness, disease, inflation, work stress, relational issues, etc.). No matter how “valid” these things may be, anything that draws our hearts and attention from God will steal our peace and throw us into the storm without the proper safety gear. Anything that makes us “ill at ease” is a disease in our lives.
So, in the midst of these great challenges, I recall a phrase a dear friend shared with me: “I AM THE DOOR!”
There are two sides to this phrase…
- I AM – the Source of ALL Life – God is the DOOR as we allow Him to reign in our lives. This brings so much peace to my soul. God will only allow the door to open to the very best for me, as I allow Him to take control in every area of my life.
- I AM the door – me, the person sitting in my seat, am the door. I can open the door to God; allowing Him to lead and direct my every step, or I can open the door to whatever happens to come my way, which will allow the storms to impact my life in a negative fashion and ultimately steal my peace. I can also keep the door close to God.
Now, PLEASE DO NOT THINK FOR MINUTES THAT I’M JUDGING YOU BECAUSE YOU’RE DEALING WITH LIFE CHALLENGES RIGHT NOW! I am discussing this with you because God has brought it to my attention.
Honestly, I’ve allowed these events to draw my focus away from HIM. Through His love & graceful nudging, He has shown this to me.
His great desire is for us to trust Him in and through all we encounter in life. Holy Spirit is here to guide, direct, and teach us. As we pull our focus inward and allow Him to lead and guide us, we can and will be able to securely walk through the storms of life, knowing He Is Faithful. Scripture never says we won’t experience tough times, but we do have this promise:
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9.
In HIM, we are Stronger than the storms!