More Than You Can Handle
By Carolyn Hulliberger
“Surely God is
my help;
The Lord is the
one who sustains me.”
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:
- 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 family, Carolyn works
as an insurance representative and serves in Oakwood Church as a Community
Group leader.
