Many people who are trying to comfort someone experiencing tragedy say, “God never gives us more than we can handle.”  But this can backfire, making the sufferer feel worse.  They may say: “If God is sending me these crises because I’m so strong, then I don’t want to be strong.”

 

This modern saying is a paraphrase of part of 1 Corinthians 10:13, but the full verse actually says something quite different and far deeper.  The full verse points out that life —not God— sends adversity to us all.  Our trials are a common experience, and knowing this is in itself reassuring.  Empathy and shared struggles can work miracles.  The text also points out that sometimes we are tested beyond our resources and strength.  Sometimes we are overwhelmed by life’s trials, and sometimes it is more than we can handle.

 

But understanding this, God gives us something to enable us to endure. The apostle Paul assures us that when we are tested beyond our strength, God will provide a way through until, free on the other side, we can walk forward into the light of a new day.

Prayer: Dear God, give us eyes to see the way through that you offer us in times of adversity and the faith to trust your promise before it comes.  Amen.