God will not give you more than you can handle???

The past few days I have had a lot of people tell me not to worry that God will not give us more than we can handle.  I know personally I've said this in the past to people going through a difficult time without really thinking about the scriptural basis.  So here are my thoughts after looking into it...

From what I can tell this phrase most likely originates from the following verse:  

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man.  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 stand up under it.  (1 Corinthians 10:13)

This verse is actually talking about temptation to sin not hard things you go through.  So while I can see how some have used this verse I think we have taken it out of context if that is the basis for this comment.  I also can't find anywhere in the Bible that says God gives us hard things like child abuse or brain injuries because He thinks we can handle them.  And basically that is what we are telling people with this comment.  

I have however found countless scriptures that talk about difficult times and strength and protection during those times.

My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest. (Exodus 33:14)


It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed. (Deuteronomy 31:8)


The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. (Deuteronomy 33:27)


The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. (Psalm 9:9-10)


I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. (Psalm 16:8)


The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war rise up against me, yet I will be confident. (Psalm 27: 1, 3)


You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. (Psalm 32:7-8)


I sought the Lord, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. (Psalm 34:4)


And I really could keep going for a very long time with these scriptures.

So next time I am presented the temptation to tell someone that God will not give them more than they can handle I think I will rephrase it to say : "God will be there to give you strength and protection during this very difficult journey".  

Waiting Upon the LORD

Two weeks ago today we were just getting home from Drew's sleep study.  Little did we know that the test would reveal possible seizures, not the sleep apnea we suspected.  The Doctor was taking boards so it took awhile to get the sleep study read, but they finally called last Friday and said the EEG portion of the study was abnormal and they wanted to know if we could go for an EEG on Monday.  So we kept Drew up until midnight on Sunday and got him up at 4 am yesterday so he would be tired for his test on at 10 am.  Needless to say he wasn't near as tired as I was.  =)  Results from the EEG are already back and they are referring us to Peoria to see a Pediatric Neurologist.  

In light of all these test results I have been going back over all the Doctor reports and notes from when Drew was admitted for SBS as an infant.  It is crazy how reading something can take you right back to the moment.  The most incredible part of all has been how faithful God has been.  Drew has surpassed the Doctor's expectations of his outcome in light of the injuries.  Where Drew is today is a true miracle from God.  God has been so remarkable in placing people in my life at just the right moment and He has brought me such peace and healing.

His timing is always perfect.  Currently I am taking a Hebrew class.  A few weeks ago we were talking about the scripture Isaiah 40:31- But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.  We learned that "wait" in Hebrew here means to twist or bind.  So when we twist our weakness around God's strength we become unbreakable.  How incredible to know that regardless of the storm to hit our lives if we are twisted with God we will not break!!  I pray that you are "waiting" on the LORD so that you will mount up with wings as eagles!!