Taking a deep breath, I reflect on the journey of life, much like a marathon, where we often encounter moments of hitting the wall. This metaphorical wall represents the burdens and challenges that weigh us down, leaving us feeling overwhelmed and unable to move forward. These burdens can be illness, deadlines, heartbreak, or fear, and they compound, making us feel like we're carrying an elephant on our shoulders. In these moments, we might hear the well-meaning but misguided phrase, "God will never give you more than you can handle." However, this is a myth. The truth is, God will not give us more than He can handle.
The Bible verse often misinterpreted to support this myth is 1 Corinthians 10:13, which speaks about God providing a way out of temptation, not burdens. Temptations and burdens are different; while God provides a way out of temptation, burdens can indeed be overwhelming. Paul, in 2 Corinthians 1:8, shares his experience of being crushed and overwhelmed beyond his ability to endure, teaching us that God allows us to face more than we can handle so that we learn to rely on Him.
Relying on God is not just for the moments of crisis but a daily practice. It's about inviting God into our everyday lives, seeking His guidance, and trusting in His power, which is the same power that raised Jesus from the dead. This reliance builds our confidence in God, preparing us for when life's pressures become too much. Just as fish are designed to withstand the ocean's pressure, we are equipped with the Holy Spirit's power to withstand life's pressures.
Our next steps involve learning to rely solely on God, placing our confidence in Him, and practicing this reliance daily. This journey is about building a relationship with God, where we trust Him to handle what we cannot.
