More Than You Can Handle

1 Corinthians 10:13 (NKJV) No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

“God will never give you more than you can handle.”

I’m sure you have hard that 1,000 times. But it’s not true. The truth is God will often give us and allow in our lives more than we can handle in our own strength. God often brings us to the end of ourselves with situations and circumstances that seem to be so incredibly overwhelming. I am ministering to a few people right now that are overwhelmed by the circumstances in their lives. Things that they don’t want. Things that they didn’t ask for. Tough stuff.

I think of many Bible examples of people God brought to a place where they couldn’t handle it. The children Israel trapped, but God may the way of escape through the Red Sea. Gideon’s army reduced to incredibly small proportions so that God would bring victory. The children of Israel again at the walls of Jericho, but God brought them down when they couldn’t. The Father of the prodigal son, unable to convince either of his sons of the truth, waited until God did what he himself couldn’t! The list is larger than this my friends.

Being in a place that you can’t handle brings brokenness into your life. We learn humility, trust, and contriteness there. We surrender in rest and abiding love in Jesus there. It’s true: there isn’t a temptation you’re going through, that isn’t common to others, and that isn’t without a way of escape. You’re not stuck and hopeless and without help.

“Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, "My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness." So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may work through me.” 2 Corinthians 12:8-9 (NLT)

Remember, there are incredible situations that come our way that bring us to the end of ourselves. Why? So we might lean on, rest in, and trust our precious Savior Jesus who always comes to our rescue!

Trusting Him,
Pastor Ed

Response
Wow Pastor Ed, Thank you so much for sending that note out. I know in my life I need to be wholly submitted and wholly surrendered to Christ, but my biggest struggle has been "What does that look like?" or "How?" That note helped a lot in knowing what it really looks like to give it all up for Christ. Thank you again. God bless.