God Doesn’t Give Us More Than We Can Handle…Or Does He? 

Author: Angela Patrie
Published: April 13, 2026
Edited: April 14, 2026

I am always in awe of, and thankful for, the Holy Spirit empowering preachers to deliver a timely message He wants the congregation to receive. The message preached at yesterday’s church service had an impact on me and changed the way I see life’s trials.

I’m sure many of you have heard the saying, “God doesn’t give us more than we can handle.” Where exactly is that in Scripture? I never thought to look and just assumed it was true. In actuality, God absolutely does allow trials to come our way that may be seemingly impossible for us to handle…that is, impossible to handle without Him.

“And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.” — Mark 10:27

Think about it. If it were true that God doesn’t give us more than we can handle, that would imply that we can handle difficult situations on our own, that we don’t need Him.

A perfect example in Scripture is 2 Corinthians 11 (specifically, verses 23-33), where Paul — also called Saul, who aforetime persecuted Christians — gloried in the many things he suffered for the cause of Christ, after his conversion on the road to Damascus (Acts Chapter 9). Paul knew that he could never endure the trials without the Lord strengthening him.

Depending on God

Depending on God is understanding who He is — Divine Creator of all things, sustainer of all life and everything therein — and we are to fully depend on Him to give us strength to persevere through all of life’s struggles. Whether we feel overwhelmed with too much on our plate, unable to handle a difficult situation, or exhausted to the point of collapse where we don’t think we can persevere, God will strengthen us.

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” — Philippians 4:13

“My strength is made perfect in weakness.”  — 2 Corinthians 12:9

This gives me a great deal of comfort. Just when I think I can’t handle any more of life’s issues (many of which I admittedly bring on myself), I only have to call on Jesus to help me through. Rather than wait until things escalate and feel overwhelming or hopeless, it is best to seek Him FIRST in every situation, no matter how small. He wants nothing more than for us to rely on Him and to guide us.

God is Our Protector

It is very reassuring to know that Christ is our refuge, our rock, our fortress, and we can run to Him any time. He is always there for us, waiting with open arms. David knew this possibly better than anyone.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” — Psalm 46:1

“Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us.” — Psalm 62:8

Overcoming Temptations and Struggles

It is important to remember that God tests us by leading us to areas where we might be tempted, but not without giving us a way out. These tests are designed to draw us closer to Him and strengthen us.

“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” — 1 Corinthians 10:13

We may struggle with low self esteem, doubts about our abilities, or repeating the same mistakes over and over again, feeling as if we’re falling deeper into a pit of despair. This could cause us to feel like giving up on ourselves and lead us to start thinking we’re a failure, not good or smart enough, or beyond help. If that happens, remember that these are the very lies the enemy puts in our heads, and we are not to fall for them! Jesus tells us that the devil:

“…abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” — John 8:44

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” — 1 Peter 5:8

Final Thoughts

God is full of wisdom and truth and wants us to always trust in His providence, His timing, His plans, and His purposes. Each time you pray, make sure to pray that His will be done, in every situation. God created us and knows us better than we know ourselves. He always wants — and does — what’s best for us, even though we might not fully understand it. Depending on God is to put our full trust in Him all our days and to not rely on our own comprehension. He loves us more than we can possibly imagine!

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” — Proverbs 3:5-6

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” — Romans 8:35, 37-39

I hope this encourages any of you who may be dealing with difficult situations in your life. Whatever the case may be, just know that you are NEVER alone or without hope! God is always there for you, ready to help.

Peace and love to all,
Angela ❤️