How Much Will God Give you?

I often hear the phrase "God will never give you more than you can handle". It is tossed into Sunday School class and Bible study discussions. People, meaning well, often say it when they see people going through trials, in an effort to encourage and uplift them. I have heard it so often; it has become a pet peeve of mine because it does not say this anywhere in the Bible. This is a misrepresentation of 1 Corinthians 10:13. This verse actually says God will not let us be tempted more than we can withstand. There is a difference between temptation and trials. And while I know he will not tempt us more than each of us can stand; I absolutely believe he will let us have circumstances that we cannot endure on our own. It is through these trials, that we do not have the strength to cope, that we learn to cling to Him. The pages of the Bible are full of stories where people withstood terrible obstacles and events because they relied on God. If we never had more than we can handle, we would not have any need for God in our lives. It is a lot easier to cleave to God, after becoming certain that there is no way you can make it through the day without Him. We can, however, take comfort in the fact that God will always be with us, and strengthen us as we go through our lives, regardless of the circumstances we face. No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 God is our protection and our strength. He always helps in times of trouble. Psalm 46:1 Originally posted November 2011