More Than You Can Handle
By Carolyn
Hulliberger
“Surely God is my
help;
The Lord is the one
who sustains me.”
Psalm 54:4
There
is a saying that goes, “God won’t give you more than you can handle.”
It’s
a lie.
How
do I know this? Because, at times, I have
been given plenty more than I can handle…on my own. You see, the saying needs to be changed to,
“God won’t give you more than HE can handle.”
As
Christ-followers, we are not shielded from the consequences of living in a
fallen, imperfect world. Accidents still
happen, disasters still strike, disease still occurs.
And
we can’t handle it…without Him. In fact,
I believe there have been times when I was given more than I can handle for the
express purpose of turning my wholehearted attention to the Savior who loves
me.
Because
I couldn’t do it on my own anymore.
So
while God doesn’t promise that He won’t give us more than we can handle, He
does promise many other provisions when life falls apart, and we surrender to
His working in our lives. Here are just
a few:
His
Courage: “I can do everything through
Christ who gives me strength.”
Philippians 4:13
His
Guidance: “I will counsel you and watch
over you,” says the Lord. Psalm 32:8
His
Peace: “Jesus said, ‘Peace I leave with
you; my peace I give you. I do not give
to you as the world gives. Do not let
your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.’”
John 14:27
His
Presence: “The LORD himself goes before
you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be
discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8
His
Caring: “Cast all your anxiety on God
because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7
His
Forgiveness: “In Christ we have
redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the
riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and
understanding.” Ephesians 1:7-8
His
Help: “God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm
46:1
His
Love: “For I am convinced that neither
death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future,
nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation,
will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our
Lord.” Romans 8:38-39
GOING DEEPER:
1. Have you been trying to handle circumstances
on your own, only to find yourself buckling under the weight? Which of God’s provisions do you especially
need today?
Along
with caring for her husband and two children, Carolyn is an Office
Representative for State Farm Insurance, serves in Student Ministries with
junior high girls, and is the treasurer for Women’s Ministries.
