More Than You Can Handle?

Some people say God will never give his children more than they can handle.  But is it true?  Here and now, no.  But ultimately, yes.

Not only does experience teach us that some Christians do face over­whelming anguish—afflictions far beyond any reasonable definition of “handling” an experience (history is strewn with stories of believers who suffered harrowing trials).  But Scripture also tells us about saints of whom the world was not worthy who were “sawn in two” (Heb 11:37) and “slain for the word of God” (Rev 6:9).  Stephen was crushed to death by a hail of rocks from raging enemies of the gospel (Acts 7:58).  In what sense can we say that Stephen was able to “handle” that assault?

Obviously, in a physical, earthly sense, these believers were forced to endure what they, in and of themselves, could not handle.  And yet, their pain is no proof that God let them down or that biblical faith is unfounded.  Suffering is in the plan; Christ-followers are cross-bearers (Matt 16:24).  “For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake” (Phil 1:29).  God is present with us in our pain (Heb 13:5); he stores our tears in bottle (Psalm 56:8).  The mysterious-yet-wise divine plan calls for a certain number of martyrs (Rev 6:11)!  And yet it remains true:  God is weaving all things together for the good of his people (Rom 8:28), even now.

When it comes to our ultimate destiny in Christ, every Christian is preserved spiritually; every believer is spared eternal suffering.  Can tragic accidents or acts of violence or “tribulation or peril or sword” separate Christians from God’s love (Rom 8:35)?  NO.  Can the sheep under the Good Shepherd’s care ever be snatched out of his hands so that they are lost to his love (John 10:28-29)?  NO.

Let’s not spread a “we can handle it” theology:  you (or your kids, or the global church) may be stricken by unspeakable tribulations, and we should form our expectations accordingly.  Better to set our hope on the promise of astounding joy with Jesus in glory!