Does God give us too much to handle?

External and internal stressors often trouble our souls. While life at times seems calm and secure, it can quickly become destabilized and unglued. As I have noted, God has not promised his children exemption from suffering; he has, however, pledged to be with us and comfort us in our trials. In his wisdom God uses life's painful misfortunes to drain us of self-sufficiency and lead us to trust and depend on him. In the mystery of providence, our difficult trials offer opportunities for healing, transformation and empowerment for service. Pain leads us to seek God and his purpose for our lives with greater intention.

Seasons of the Soul by Bruce Demarest


Growing up, my parents worked hard to give my siblings and I a comfortable life, and that's what I had. No troubles, no relationship issues, no money problems, no health issues. Carefree - like it's supposed to be! Growing up, I had no struggle with the phrase, "God doesn't give you more than you can handle."

As I braved the teenage years, I began to feel like my life wasn't in my control. There were many circumstances that left me desperately grasping for stability in my life. It was through a period of depression that I came to fight the phrase, "God doesn't give you more than you can handle."

Where in the Bible does it say that? I have come to believe that that saying is very much offered only to in attempt to appease one's suffering. But it's not true! That is not one of God's promises. Rather, He says that He will never leave us, nor will He ever forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6). God is a God of His word, and we can hold firmly to that truth. We might be in rough waters, but Jesus is there. He has the power to walk on water, hold you above the waves, and calm the storm (Matthew 14:22-23).

So - what do I do with all this suffering? I look for God. It's not easy. It's a deliberate effort to look inside of myself and realize that I have found myself depending on worldly strongholds to give me peace, when Jesus is the giver of a peace that passes all understanding. When I stop and think about that, it gives me chills. I can't even comprehend or put into words how Jesus can come and calm my mind and put all of the racing thoughts of worry to a halt.

Now, when I face hard times I can tell myself to see the ways in which they are breaking me down and forcing me to rely on God even more. Think of it as a molding - of a shaping that is pushing your towards the person that God has created you to be (Genesis 1:27). It is those times I grow weary and realize "I can't do it anymore" that I can look up to God, and let Him take over once again. So often, I try to creep back in the driver's seat, and do things myself and in my own way. Painful, confusing parts of life lead us back to the one Truth that will never change.

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the TRUTH and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6)

"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty." (Revelation 1:8)

LIFE might give you too much to handle, but GOD will give you rest. Commit all of your hurt, your issues, your depression, your "too much for me to handle" situations, your "I can't do this anymore" scenarios, and give them to the Father of all. Find rest for your soul in the One who holds all things in His mighty hands. 

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”