Daily Guideposts 2016: 14-Day Reading PlanSample

“God never gives you more than you can handle.”

Ooph! How many times have we said that to the mother with a house full of sick kids? To the cancer patient undergoing chemotherapy? To the road-weary churchgoer brave enough to confess his doubt in overwhelming circumstances? But do we really think God believes we can keep standing on our own after the death of a spouse, the loss of a home, or the terror of a life-threatening illness?

If you’re feeling guilty about repeating that quasi-comforting phrase to those who are hurting, then you’re not alone. I’m guilty too. I’ve said it to friends with long to-do lists, neighbors with water damage, and old college buddies with life-changing decisions to make. Such an empty reply to what was clearly a cry for prayers and help.

Now I don’t say it anymore. Instead, I believe that God does allow us to be given more than we can handle. He watches as we’re loaded to the brim with finals, job stress, trials, and personal conflicts. It’s not about punishing or testing us, but rather one single lesson: if God didn’t do this, how would we ever learn that we need Him—and His grace—so desperately?

Looking back on times when I felt completely overwhelmed, it was then that I leaped into God’s arms, clawing my way to find a better place in Him.

From now on, I’m rewriting the old saying to make this new version: God allows us to be given more than we can handle. But when we put our hope in Him, trust Him, and seek His help, He gives us the tools we need to handle those seemingly impossible situations.

Lord, thank You for giving me the opportunity to have to trust in You in the difficult times. Amen.

—Ashley Kappel

Digging Deeper: Psalm 44:5–7, Jeremiah 39:17–18