Does God Allow More Than You Can Handle?
Has anyone told you that God won’t give you more than you can handle?
I’ve heard that comment plenty. And there was a time when I believed it. Then I buried two husbands and my mama in four short years. God definitely allowed more than I could handle!
Can you relate?
Haven’t you had seasons when the kids were little and you got no sleep and thought you were losing your mind? Or when someone you loved was addicted or abusive, and you feared for your sanity or safety? Or when you experienced a time of lack, sickness, or upheaval that you thought would crush you?
Of course you have. And that’s when God does his best work. It is in the times of upheaval that we run to him for the healing, rescue, answers, resolution, or miracle we desperately need . . . but which is way so very far beyond our own control or ability to resolve.
Consider this.
If we could manage everything in our lives, why in the world would we need God?
In 1 Corinthians 10:13 (nrsv), the apostle Paul tells us, “No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it.”
“God is faithful and will not let you be tested beyond your strength” sounds a lot like God won’t give you more than you can handle. But we have to understand the context of the passage. Paul is not addressing tragic circumstances like death, disease, and imminent peril. He’s telling his readers that it’s possible to rule over the temptation of our former sinful and destructive practices.
Don’t go it alone.
We must not be deceived by those who would ask us to endure our hardships on our own—or all alone.
Before I had my come-to-Jesus moment, I tried to manage life on my own and failed miserably. I let my circumstances dictate my emotional state. If “things” weren’t going well, I wasn’t well. I had meltdowns and threw temper tantrums rivaling Rumpelstiltskin. That’s no way to manage anything!
Or I’d disengage and sink into a puddle of discouragement, believing that all was lost so I might as well eat, drink, and be merry on my way to die.
We just can’t fall for the lie that God won’t give us more than we can handle. While no one would desire the loss, sickness, or hardships that drive us to beg God for help, those are the seasons we can experience the greatest intimacy with God. It’s in the times of desperately crying out to him that we tend to be most in-tune with his voice and open to his leading.
When you are out of your mind, or over your head, or under attack, don’t try to manage it on your own. Call on God, who is for you and will be with you through it all. He will give you the strength you need to press on. Provide the support you need to persevere. Lead you to the solutions you need to survive.
When life reels out of control, don’t try to brave it alone. Run to God.
Verse for today: God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. —Psalm 46:1–3
Prayer: Father God, be my strength and shield and my ever-present help in times of trouble. When life and circumstances are out of my control, be my guide through them or around them. Be with me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Hi Robyn.
I’ve been out of touch with you lately due to a couple reasons but I’m back to enjoying your messages and I will order your book today! You are such an excellent writer & you describe things in your life that are similar to things in my past. You are so encouraging to me & so many others! I had issues with my daughter when she was a teen & sent her to live with her dad a 15. BIG MISTAKE! She is now 34 but it cost me many years of not seeing her (her choice, not mine) but now I watch her 3 yr. old which brings me JOY! It took 7 years of prayer with my small group & mentor to bring Kara back into my life. But God had me wait for a reason. I had to accept that.
So, thanks again for your emails! Praying you will continue to teach & write & have many blessings in your life.
With love & appreciation,
Brenda
P.S. I saw you at Youth Haven Ranch
Wow, Brenda, your post is encouraging to all moms of prodigals to be patient and continue to seek the LORD on their behalf. Thanks for posting and for getting my new book.:)
I know you from Ladies Retreat in Lawton, MI. You have been a faithful Sister to me and I thank you for it. I am always feeling overwhelmed with fear and when fear is out of control, I use my favorite worship songs, share it with my bible study partners and prayer warriors, and refer to bible verses. Isaiah 40:31, Psalm 46:10, Philippians 4:11-13. God’s blessings and love.
I needed to hear your message today ! We are dealing with something that is out of our control .. a daughter that is lost to addiction and feels we don’t love her . As a Mother it is hard to help without feeding into habit and bad decisions . We continue to pray
Oh Pam, my heart! So sorry – praying for you to know what to do, when to do it and be at peace in the waiting. Asking God for wholeness for your girl and reconciliation with her.
Praying is powerful. Don’t give up.
This really speaks to me and is an eye opener. Pointing out what is really happening when I’m disengaging and sinking into discouragement.I’m not running to Jesus but I’m trying to do it on my own…..
Hi Elizabeth,
Well, I’m glad I’m not the only one who tries to do God’s job. lol Now we’re both back on track.
Thanks for posting.
I think you said it all very well! I have been under the lie that God doesn’t give you more than you can handle and have probably shared that with others. I like what Donna said, that God does not give you more than you can handle with Him. Hence your words, Run to God. Thank you for your encouragement!!
Hi Barbara,
Thanks for posting. I think most of us have fallen for some version of that deception. Happy to have a running partner. ?
Good morning Robyn.. Boy did I need this message today. I was a lost sheep and stared death in the face in not one but two abusive relationships. But I was found and I am so happy and blessed to be a child of God.
I enjoyed seeing and hearing you in Port Charlotte FL.
Praise the LORD, Carol. I’m so glad you’re found. 🙂
I’ll be back in FL this fall. 🙂 Maybe I’ll see you???
Robyn, thank you for the reminder of how desperately we NEED God and the importance to read His word and not pull things out of context. HE IS FAITHFUL.
So true, Ryioko. I appreciate you. Thanks for posting.
Yes, I have heard that God won’t give you more can you can handle. It should read:
God won’t give you more than you can handle WITH HIM.
We cannot leave God out and be successful in our daily lives!
In Christ’s Love,
Donna Davis
Hey Donna, that is a better version. 🙂 Thanks for posting.
When I’m feeling overwhelmed, I remind myself to read Philippians 4:4-9. It doesn’t solve my problems or magically make them go away, but I do find peace and rest.
I love that verse, too. Thanks for adding to our arsenal of spiritual weaponry
I’m in the middle of it myself right now. I had the most wonderful blessed life. I was married to the “Man of the Century”. Seriously, all my friends affectionately call him that. He died of Covid in February. The only thing that helps me is going to God for everything. I mean everything. The smallest little things to the biggest. I am completely exhausted and scared. But God…is all I can say. When I get overwhelmed I tell God I am overwhelmed, tag; you’re it now. I feel kinda guilty for doing that. To me it seems like laziness or procrastination. But when I do it, God , or HIM through some close friend or family member, reminds me that I’m not alone. He reminds me I don’t have to finish everything at the same time. Most importantly, if I forget to pay something or do something important, it will probably cost a little more money, but God’s grace and the kindness of strangers is sufficient for today’s late fees.
Oh Kim, I am so sorry to hear your man died. The pain and fog of grief are so unique but universal and I admire your willingness and ability to “tag” God with your questions, pain and requests. I’m sure your post will touch many. Thanks for writing.
So glad you are helping to debunk this myth of God not giving us more than we can handle. EVERY DAY, is more than I can handle on my own, to keep right thinking, speaking and behavior considering how high the crazy dial is in our culture right now, and even amongst Christians. As a former overreactor, one of my best pieces of advice when confronted with a something or someone hard, is to keep my mouth shut, at first, until God sorts me out properly. I’ve also found that taking a walk or moving in some way is best to release strong emotions that should not be given words. Words have power and can’t be taken back. Emotions aren’t right or wrong, it’s what we do with them that counts. I’ve learned to press into God in those moments, alone somewhere if I can, otherwise, up in my head. I know this is hard if someone is right up in your grill or your loved one is in agony in an ER. Nevertheless, unless Holy Spirit brings specific scripture to my mind that is good to speak out into the situation right away, I stay silent and ask God to move in me and the circumstance first before I say anything out loud.
What words of wisdom and experience you share, Sharon. Thank you for posting. I’m sure your advice will help many.
So many great comments here, Robyn. I absolutely love this post! It’s such a unfair burden to put that statement on people when they’re in the midst of grief. Then we even feel further flawed, like there’s something so wrong with us for feeling so bad. I so appreciate you, Robyn, your wisdom and how you encourage So many. You are such a blessing to me and every woman here.
Sending buckets of love and hugs to you! ???
Wow, thanks Debbie. I so appreciate you and receive your buckets of love and hugs. ??
I have heard this from other christians and I have always thought that he WILL give us more than we think we can handle so we will rely on Him. When I’m in a situation where I feel overwhelmed, I sing praise and worship songs. It helps me to remember that He’s there with me.
Thanks you for your ministry!!
Shannon, What a wonderful suggestion to reset our minds and hearts. The enemy will always try to corrupt our thoughts and divide us from community. I love this idea and am going to put it into practice right away. Thanks for posting
In 2020 November 11 and 19 my 2 sister’s transitioned to be with the Lord, 8 months later on July 19 my Mom also went home to be with the Lord, during this time,I ran into the opened arms of Jesus fir comfort, since that time to this day I am still walking in the peace that passeth all understanding..I Praise His Holy Name!!!
Oh sweet Friend, That is so much. I’m sorry for your losses and admire your tenacity to press into God rather than shrink back into desolation. Thank you for sharing such a powerful testimony. I’m sure you’ll encourage many.
Instead of reacting right away, I get quiet and turn to Jesus. Sometimes by journaling, other times reaching out in a silent scream! I was hurt to my core and felt crushed by church leaders about five years ago. It still haunts me, especially at night. I have to turn it over to the Lord repeatedly. It has helped to talk it over with my counselor too.
Hey Anita, I’m so sorry you were hurt. Glad you’re processing in healthy ways and getting the support you need to forgive and move on.