God will never give us anything we can’t handle! NOT!

God will never give us anything we can’t handle! We’ve all heard it. Most of us have probably said it. Many assume that it comes from the Bible. It doesn’t. It isn’t scripturally based and in fact, works in opposition to what the word of God actually teaches.

So, am I saying that God can and will gives us problems too big for our own capacities? Problems that me, myself and I cannot solve, cure, fix or rectify? The answer put bluntly is, Yes!

John Calvin, the 16th century theologian and a primary figure of the Christian reformation explains how God gives us more then we can bear in his commentary found in Zechariah 1:3.

“We must further bear in mind, that, according to the common usage of Scripture, whenever God exhorts us to repentance, he does not regard what our capacity is, but demands what is justly his right. Hence the Papists adopt what is absurd when they deduce the power of free-will from the command or exhortation to repent: God, they say, would not have commanded what is not in our power to do. It is a foolish and most puerile (childishly silly and trivial) mode of reasoning; for if everything which God requires were in our power, the grace of the Holy Spirit would be superfluous; it would not only be as they say a waiting-mind, but it would be wholly unnecessary; but if men need the aid of the Spirit, it follows that they cannot do what God requires of them. But it seems strange that God should bid men to do more than what they can. It seems so indeed, I allow, when we form our judgment according to the common perception of the flesh; but when we understand these truths — that the law works wrath — that it increases sin — that it was given that transgression might be made more evident, then the false notion — that God requires nothing but what men can perform, comes to nothing. But it is enough for us to know, that God in exhorting us to repentance requires nothing but what nature dictates ought to be done by us. Since it is so, however short we are in the performance, it is not right to charge God with too much strictness, that he demands what is beyond our power.”

Calvin speaks a great truth that must be understood when he said, “…for if everything which God requires were in our power, the grace of the Holy Spirit would be superfluous”. People need the aid of the Holy Spirit! Underline and stress the word need!

But also notice John Calvin says that when it comes to repentance God does not “regard what our capacity is”. We as people will not remain in an environment that has no challenges. We as Christians do not have a “safe place” which exempts us from overwhelming troubles. Yes, God just might pour a gallon of troubles into our pint size life. Remember Job?

Jesus said, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

Putting it plainly, God does give us things that are bigger than ourselves and beyond our capabilities so that we will come to him, to lean on him and to depend on him. Proverbs 3 makes it clear.

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.” (Proverbs 3:5-7)

The Apostle Paul gives us an example of this.

“For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life: But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead: Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us” (2 Corinthians 1:8-10).

The moral of the story in the above passage is, “that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God”.

The misconception that God will never give you anything you can’t handle is most likely derived from a passage in 1 Corinthians.

“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

First of all, Paul is saying that we face no trial or adversity that hasn’t already been faced by others. But as we are faithful to God by entrusting all to him, even our very lives, He, God is also faithful to us. God said, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” (Hebrews 13:5-6).

It is important to notice in the passage from 1 Corinthians 10:13 that it is God who makes, “a way to escape”. It isn’t our own doings. We as humans are limited. God is not human therefore limitless.

Jesus said, “With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)

Paul said, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13)

Man is limited. Our adversities, if anything will highlight and showcase our shortcomings and show our need for repentance. We cannot make it through this life to the next on our own. God will give us things that go beyond our own capacities. Why would we need God if we could handle everything ourselves?

Man is absolutely dependent upon God.