I'm not sure where the phrase "God will never give you more than you can handle" came from. When people say it, I know they mean well- but if I'm being honest I think it's one of the most false statements I've ever heard. If it really was true that God was never going to give us more than we could handle on our own... why would we need Him? Why would He possibly want to keep our circumstances so easy that they drive us further into the self-sufficient mindset of "I think I'm alright on my own"? There's no glory to be found in that for Him.
It's no secret that I love awards shows- Grammy's, Emmy's, Oscars.. you name it, I'll watch it. I love how most celebrities will acknowledge God in their acceptance speeches (whether they really mean it or they just think it sounds good). If we're honest, I think that's how most of us want to bring glory to God. We want to be the ones holding up the Oscar saying "I want to thank God for blessing me with the talent and opportunity"... or Tebowing in the end zone. We want God to use our strengths to bring Him glory- not our weaknesses. We choose not to acknowledge the fact that sometimes God will allow such pain and heatbreak to enter our world so that all we have left is to cling to His promises and glorify Him in spite of it. Unfortunately, for us- we don't get to choose because nobody would sign up for that.
This past year, we were dealt astoundingly more than we could handle and I'm thankful we did not have to handle it on our own. Our God who allowed us to experience pain and who hurts when we hurt is the same God who will remain faithful in His promises. Because of this, we know that there is glory to be found in all circumstances if we continue to fix our eyes on Him.
Steph,
ReplyDeleteI think that phrase is a twisting of this verse. "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." ~ 1 Co. 10:13
And I agree with you 100%, God doesn't get glory if we can handle it without him. I think the phrase likely started with an ending like "more than you can handle with His help." And we just have so easily dropped the most important part. He provides a way for us to endure it, not escape it entirely, but endure it.
I am thankful for you and your writing, as I see you reflect our God. Especially in the times when it isn't expected, especially not by the world's standards. I am thankful that God repeatedly in the Bible chooses flawed people and their weaknesses to bring Himself glory, because that means there is still hope for me too. Thanks again for sharing.