There have been A LOT of well meaning people who have said over and over to us that God won't give us more than we can handle. While it's comforting to think that, I have done some research and have found that it is simply not a biblical statement. (I even consulted with my pastor to make sure I'm not giving the wrong information.)
The only reference I have found that somewhat resembles this statement is in 1 Corinthians 10:13 that says
This talks simply about temptation, not about trials.No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
Over the past month, I have learned that we have been given WAY more than we can handle. Looking at all that we have been through, if it weren't for my faith and love for God, I'm not sure how we would have survived. We have been given more than we can handle in almost every aspect of our lives.
I firmly believe that we are given more than we can handle as a way to fully submit ourselves to God. Over this past month, I have had to cling to God like my life depended on it (or more appropriately, I've had to cling to God like my child's life depended on it). I've had to read my Bible more than I have in my 20+ years of being a Christian, I've had to search and question my faith in ways that I would have never had to do if we weren't given these trials. We have been allowed to endure these troubles as a means to strengthen us and our love for God.
We wonder where the money for childcare is going to come from. We submit it to God and He provides. We worry about next months' car payment- we fully submit it to God and He provides. We wonder if our child is going to survive the night, we submit it to God and His Peace washes over us. None of this would have been possible if it weren't for the hardships and trials that we cannot handle ourselves. We cannot make money appear out of nowhere. We cannot provide the medical care for our child that will cure his heart- those things come from God- they are WAY more than we can handle on our own.
So, as I think about it, for as much as I hate HLHS, and as much as I hate the trials we have been through, I am also thankful for what we have been given. I'm thankful for the struggles that we have experienced over the past few months. They have brought me (and many others) closer to God. They have brought me to the point of complete surrender.
God DOES give us more than we can handle. Embrace it and be thankful!
20 comments:
I never thought of it that way...God does give us more than we can handle. He also provides for us in those times. He wrapped his arms around me so many times and I am definitely closer because of what we have gone through.
He totally does. He totally gives us more than we can handle. We've heard that a lot too. And like you, we have to surrender and submit, surrender and submit.
I was just looking at pics from 6 days ago -- the last time I held Ewan. I can't handle the thought of never being able to do that again. Dear God, have mercy on us all.
Amen and Amen and again I say Amen! Any trials we have been through (and Jill you know what I mean) and the next one would come I would wonder why this and now but I never waivered in my faith in God and how He is always with me. You are doing the same. Yes, we wonder, we even question but God is always! Love you, girlfriend.
I wrote something similar myself a while back (I"m also an HLHS mama). I've rephrased it for myself: God doesn't give us more than we can handle, with HIM. PLent of stuff we can't begin to handle on our own. .I react similarly to "You're so strong" Uh, no, I'm not. I"m weak and desperate. I CAN be strong in the Lord.
Hugs!
Amen sister!
I totally agree!!
I could not have said it better myself
Amen-keep leaning on Him.
Shannan Davis
proud mommy to Jamie (PA/IVS)
Now that is a God-inspired post if I've ever read one.
so true...there is more scripture on this in the new testament...I wish I could remember where...but it clearly says exactly what you are saying. love it! so good to see someone else believe this!!
I agree. I have a sign that hangs in my house that reads:
"God doesn't give us what we can handle; God helps us handle what we are given."
Very true! Glad that you are finding strength through your faith to survive what you are going through. I know it is hard when it seems that the trials never end but I do believe that God helps to provide the safety net so we don't completely fall.
I have heard that Faith is when you come to the edge of the cliff you know one of two things will happen - you will learn how to fly or God will catch you safely in His arms.
Praying for a restful night for the entire family. Extra prayers are being sent for your other two children - may they feel the never-ending love that you have for them, even if you are not close in body.
Shannon Egan
Your post was so true! I have realized over the past few weeks how God has provided for me and my family. It's amazing...total strangers have come to help us make life a little easier. Even thou the journey with Jordan hasn't began. I know God will be by our sides - even when I think I can't take anymore. Your doing amazing and Joshua is such a brave little boy! Many prayers for all of you - hope your able to get some rest tonight.
I agree with all of you, but may I add that God gives us what we can't handle to put us in a position to glorify Him. When we put our trust in His soveriegnty, it is then that His position of the One and Only God is glorified.
Thanks for addressing what many of us have thought in our hearts. Another one of those verses that are quoted frequently at the most inopportune times is Romans 8:28. It's another sticky subject to bring up when someone else is going through a rough spot and you're not. (Maybe your next post, huh?!)
Still praying for you all and checking regularly on you.
Oh, Jill, so many people said the same thing to us, over and over...."God doesn't give you more than you can handle..." and I finally said, "then God is overestimating my abilities!" He absolutely gives you more than you can handle. But he walks beside you in the valleys. That's God's promise to us.
More than we can handle, absolutely. But never more than He can handle. I'm so glad you're letting Him guide you through this.
I wrote about the same thing about a month ago...
http://hennhouse.blogspot.com/2010/08/exactly-more.html
Loving you and praying... Always praying.
Thank you for posting this. You are so right. It's really easy for us (in America) to not depend on God for everything. Despite the hardship, it truly is a blessing to have trials in our lives. It's through them that we understand who God truly is and He takes His rightful place in our lives.
Awesome. So well said.
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4
I thought of this verse frequently when our son was moment-to-moment. We had the opportunity to experience God's presence, grace, and the body of Christ ministering to us in ways that we never would have if our son had a "normal" recovery from his Norwood. You all continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
Sending heart-mom hugs,
Jennifer Hood
I've told myself many, many times that God doesn't give me more than I can handle. I've found comfort in that. But, reading this post...I now realize that in saying that, I've made it all about ME and MY ability to weather the storms and not about HIS grace and mercy. Thank you for opening my eyes and reminding me where my focus should be - on the One who carries me through.
Well put... I never thought of it that way I have told myself plenty of times that GOD wouldn't put more on me than I can bare. Reading this makes me have a different outlook on my situation.
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