God Does Not Give Us More Than We Can Handle: How To Overcome Trials

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Published by Shannon Jacobs

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When mankind was formed by God, we were created flawless, mirroring His image. Originally, there was an absence of pain, suffering, or mortality. However, due to the sin and disobedience of our earliest ancestors, our state of perfection and everlasting life was forfeited. Consequently, today we are subjected to all manners of pain, illness, suffering, and death.

Despite our fallen nature, God loves us. We are still His most important creation, and He wants us to have a holy fellowship with Him on earth and an eternal relationship in heaven. But we have to face the tests, trials, and challenges of the enemy.

Is it true that God does not give us more than we can handle? Out of His abounding love, God gave and sent His son, Jesus Christ, to suffer for all of mankind so that we may someday earn salvation. The Lord also helps us to overcome all these temptations and trials.

What Does The Bible Say About God Will Not Give Us More Than We Can Handle?

Temptations Of The Devil

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

According to the Bible, temptations[1] emanate from the works of the enemy, not from God. The devil roams around looking for something to devour (1 Peter 5:8). In Matthew 4, Jesus Christ was tempted by the devil three times and overthrew the wiles of the enemy.

The devil is powerless over God. He is a mere creation of God, and God is always victorious. The devil attempts to tempt us with false promises of power, wealth, and pleasure. God does not tempt us to do evil but allows us to be tempted beyond what we can bear. He provides us with the tools and resources to resist temptation.

Tests And Trials

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.James 1:2–4 

We sometimes confuse temptations with tests and trials. Temptations emanate from the enemy. On the other hand, tests and trials are allowed or given by God to believers to increase and fortify their faith in Him. They also serve as disciplinary measures or experiences for those who desire to not commit these sins or mistakes again.

An example of a long-drawn trial was the desert experience of the Israelites. God let them wander in the wilderness for a very long 40 years to teach them the importance of obedience and do away with idolatry, sexual immorality, and other sins.

Pains And Troubles

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.—John 16:33

Pains and troubles are part of life, and it is impossible to escape them. God gives us the strength to overcome or bear these troubles, but it is often hard to accept them. This is because of the results of fallen humanity. Even though it can be difficult to accept these pains and troubles, it is important to remember that God is with us every step of the way, providing us with the strength and courage to overcome them.

Psalm 73:26 reads, “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Ultimately, with faith and perseverance, we can find peace and joy in life, despite the troubles that come our way.

woman holding head with shadow and god does not give us more than we can handle

Is It True That God Will Not Give Us More Than We Can Handle?

I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.Galatians 2:20 

It is a lie to claim that God will not give us more than we can handle. In extreme situations, we can experience severe pain and suffering in the same way Jesus experienced it. Finally, we can also face the point of death or death itself like Enoch and Elijah. Both were “taken away” by God to heaven so that they would no longer suffer pain on earth because of their utmost loyalty and faith in God.

Jesus Christ experienced the ultimate pain during His crucifixion and death at Mount Calvary. But He arose again from the dead, all for God’s glory. But God helps those who remain faithful to Him.

  • God’s Grace. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.2 Corinthians 12:9
  • The Power Of The Holy Spirit. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.Acts 1:8

Will God Ever Give Us More Than We Can Handle?

Discipline And Punishment

My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father to the son he delights in.—Proverbs 3:11-12

God loves us like a father and is always looking out for our own good. He disciplines us when we go astray, but it is never out of anger or malice. Instead, He does it to help us learn and grow. He wants us to learn from our mistakes and become better people. His discipline and punishment are meant to be corrective, not punitive.

It is a reminder that He cares for us and wants us to be the best versions of ourselves. He wants us to live a life of faith and obedience, and He knows that sometimes we need a gentle reminder of his expectations. Discipline and punishment from God are ultimately for our benefit, and He will always be there to guide us back to Him.

Wrath Of God

The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people who suppress the truth of their wickedness.Romans 1:18

In the Bible, God often unleashed severe punishment on the Israelites when they became disobedient and their hearts turned against God. The Lord sent famine, disease, and other catastrophes to the Israelites because of His anger. The wrath of God is a reality that should not be taken lightly. But it is also a sign of His justice and love.

Does God Promise To Not Give Us More Than We Can Handle?

God did not promise to give us more pain and suffering than we could handle. What He promised is that He will help His faithful believers overcome temptations and trials and alleviate their own suffering. The apostle Paul tells us he found God’s power when he trusted God. The Lord will also give us the tools we need to overcome the threats of the enemy. God’s grace abounds when we become utterly burdened and lifts us from more suffering.

The Armor Of God

Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.Ephesians 6:11–12

The armor of God is a metaphor for the spiritual warfare we all face in our daily lives. It is a battle between good and bad, light and darkness, and ultimately, the struggle against evil, not men. This armor unleashes God’s power to protect us from the evil forces that seek to harm us.

It consists of the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, the sword of the Spirit, and the shoes of peace. Each piece of the armor symbolizes a different aspect of our spiritual warfare, such as truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, and peace.

persons holding hands and god does not give us more than we can handle

Conclusion

In our earthly lives, we cannot escape all forms of temptations, trials, and tests. These troubles are the consequence of our fallen humanity and the essential nature of our temporary lives. But God is faithful. He gives us all the grace and the Holy Spirit to guide all faithful believers to overcome or transcend these trials, pains, and tribulations.

Jesus Christ experienced all the temptations, trials, suffering, and even death for our sake. By trusting in God’s Word and help, we must also be able to bear or overcome the same distress and anguish.

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