How Much Is Too Much?

I've heard Christians quote what they think is a Bible verse: "God won't bring more into my life than I can handle, but with it He will bring a way of escape."

Actually, that's not correct. Here's what the verse in 1 Corinthians actually says:

1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape , that you may be able to endure it. ESV

In fact, the opposite of is actually true - God often puts us in places that are beyond our capabilities to handle. Paul the Apostle found himself in those situations often.

2 Corinthians 1:8-9 For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. 9 Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. ESV

We don't like to hear these words. We don't like to think of God letting us be overwhelmed, but it's true. So why on earth would He allow something like that into our lives? Paul says it: "to make us rely no on ourselves but on God."

So the next time you are overwhelmed, realize God is working to make you trust in Him more and trust in yourself less.

Finally, listen to what Paul says in chapter 4 of the same letters:

2 Corinthians 4:7-11 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. 11 For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. ESV