In many Christian circles, the phrase “God won’t give you more than you can handle” is often used to comfort those going through tough times. However, this phrase can sometimes be misleading and may not fully align with biblical teachings.
To truly grasp the meaning behind this old saying, we must first examine it through a Biblical lens. What exactly is it that God will not give you? Is it heartache, pain, or illness? When speaking to those who have endured the loss of loved ones or faced life-altering traumas, do we tell them that God never gives more than they can handle? Do we believe we are offering comfort or compassion when we say this to those who are deeply suffering?
Let’s explore this by examining two key scriptures: 1 Corinthians 10:13 and 2 Corinthians 1:8-9.
1 Corinthians 10:13 – Temptation and God’s Faithfulness
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. 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 endure it.”
This verse is frequently referenced to suggest that God won’t burden us with more than we can bear. However, it specifically pertains to temptation. It assures us that God will not let us face temptation beyond our capacity to resist and promises to provide a way to overcome it. This highlights God’s faithfulness in empowering us to conquer sin and temptation, rather than addressing the trials and challenges of life.
2 Corinthians 1:8-9 – Beyond Our Ability to Endure
In contrast, 2 Corinthians 1:8-9 provides a different perspective:
“We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.”
Here, Paul speaks of experiencing hardships that were “far beyond our ability to endure.” This passage highlights that there are times when we face situations that are more than we can handle on our own. The purpose of these overwhelming trials is to teach us to rely not on our own strength, but on God.
When we compare these two passages, we see a fuller picture of God’s role in our lives. While 1 Corinthians 10:13 assures us of God’s help in overcoming temptation, 2 Corinthians 1:8-9 reminds us that we will face challenges that exceed our own capabilities. These trials are opportunities for us to deepen our dependence on God.
The phrase “God won’t give you more than you can handle” may not be as comforting as we are trying to convey. The Bible teaches that while God helps us resist temptation, He also allows us to face trials that are beyond our ability to endure alone. These experiences are meant to draw us closer to Him and to rely on His strength rather than our own.
In times of overwhelming difficulty, let us remember that it is okay to feel that we cannot handle everything on our own. It is in these moments that we are invited to lean on God, trusting in His power and faithfulness to carry us through.
P.S. – Now that I know this Biblical truth I never say this to someone needing comfort rather I point the conversation to 2 Corinthians 1:8-9.