In my first post on this subject, I highlighted what some individual stupid platitudes were that I thought were troubling and some coping strategies when people come out with these statements. The first of these “monsters” I wanted to tackle was:
“God never gives you more than you can handle.”
I’ve seen this posted on Facebook multiple times, and am personally of the mind that this thinking has contributed to more than one personal faith crisis. The worst thing is that it’s based on a complete misinterpretation of something the Bible does say.
This faulty notion comes from 1 Corinthians 10:13 “No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it.” (NRSV) What many modern translations translate as testing or temptation, is the Greek word peirasmos, which, according to Strong’s, also appears in the Lord’s Prayer when we ask God to lead us not into temptation/save us from the time of trial.
I’ve seen so many people express utter despair over a troubling medical diagnosis, an unexpected death or another crisis who were wrong told that God wouldn’t give them more than they can handle. If someone is told this often enough in the face of a crisis, could you really blame them for doubting God’s goodness?
A Biblical counselor who tackled this very issue in a recent blog post raised an interesting point about how God DOES give us more than we can handle sometimes. At the same time, we’re given the GRACE that we need.
The last thing someone going through a crisis needs is a theological debate on their social media feed, especially if the person making the “God won’t give you more than you can handle” claim isn’t very well-read in the Bible. However, I think we can serve as better encouragers to people in a time of need by letting them know that God will give them the grace that they need.
Here’s a prayer attributed to St. Francis de Sales I’ve found comforting:
Do not look forward in fear to the changes in life;
rather, look to them with full hope that as they arise,
God, whose very own you are, will lead you safely through all things;
and when you cannot stand it, God will carry you in His arms.
Do not fear what may happen tomorrow;
the same understanding Father who cares for you today
will take care of you then and every day.
He will either shield you from suffering
or will give you unfailing strength to bear it.
Be at peace, and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations.
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