There’s a cliche Christian phrase that I believe does more harm than it does good. It may make us feel all warm and reassured, but it’s actually a lie.
The truth is–
God will give you more than you can handle.
As a parent, part of my job is to encourage my boys to become independent. As they grow, they will rely on me less and less. Our heavenly Father wants us to become dependent on Him. As we grow in godliness, we rely on Him more and more.
To help my boys learn, I give them opportunities to show their independence from me. God gives us opportunities to show our dependence on Him.
I give my boys tasks I know they can handle so they gain confidence. God gives us tasks we can’t handle so we gain humility.
When consoling and counseling friends, let’s stop saying God won’t give you more than you can handle. Let’s start telling the truth–God will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). In this world, we will have tribulation, but Christ has overcome the world (John 16:33). The Lord is a stronghold in times of trouble (Psalm 9:9).
The truth of His Word brings more comfort than a cliche phrase!
