Life doesn’t always hand us what we feel ready for.
We’ve all heard the comforting maxim: “God never gives you more than you can handle.” It’s often spoken with the best intentions—meant to soothe, to lift—but there’s a hidden pressure in those words. Because somewhere in the back of our minds, when life gets truly heavy, we start to whisper:
“Then why can’t I handle this?”
Here’s the truth that changes everything:
God never gives us more than we can handle with Him.
That changes the focus. It’s not about our strength being sufficient—it’s about knowing we were never meant to carry the burden alone. When life exceeds our limits, it’s not a sign we’re failing; it’s an invitation to press deeper into God’s strength.
📖 The Strength Beyond Our Own
The Apostle Paul understood this reality firsthand. In 2 Corinthians 1:8–9, he wrote:
“We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself… But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.”
Paul—yes, that Paul—was overwhelmed. Despairing. Facing more than he could handle. And yet, he knew why it was happening: to learn vital dependence on the One who has resurrection power.
🔄 When I Couldn’t Handle It
I’ve been there too, and I suspect you probably have. Years ago, I was in the privileged position of being an executive pastor at a large church—leading teams, helping others navigate their faith, carrying the weight of public leadership. But behind the scenes, my finances had crumbled. I was embarrassed. Afraid. Ashamed. I felt like a failure—not just in ministry, but in life.
I remember driving home one day, gripping the steering wheel and thinking, “Lord, I can’t do this.”
That moment became holy—not because I found the strength—but because I finally stopped pretending I had it.
God didn’t crush me to punish me. He allowed me to break so I could learn to rely on Him again. That season became the soil where the heart behind Vona Solutions was born—a ministry of helping others find hope, clarity, and direction through hardship.
🛠️ Anchored When You Feel Adrift
Here are a few ways to stay grounded when life gets overwhelming:
– 🕊️ Acknowledge your limits honestly. God already knows. Speak it. Journal it. Pray it. Surrender is the beginning of strength.
– 🔄 Return to Presence, not performance. You’re not invited to “do more” but to “be with” the Savior who carries you.
– 🤝 Lean on faithful community. Ask someone to pray with you or carry a piece of your burden. “Carry each other’s burdens…” – Galatians 6:2
🙏 You’re Not Alone in This
Let’s rewrite the narrative. God doesn’t expect you to be invincible—He expects you to be dependent. Whatever you’re facing today, it may very well be more than you can handle alone. But God never intended you to face it alone.
You have a refuge.
You have a Savior.
You’re pressed, but not crushed.
Stretched, but not abandoned.
Overwhelmed, but ultimately sustained.
Because with God, you’re never out of options—and never out of hope.
Keep holding on. He’s holding on to you.
📖 Reflection Verse:
“Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.”
– 2 Corinthians 1:9 (NIV)
🔗 Suggested Reading:
Trust His Heart
2 Corinthians 1:8–9 commentary – Enduring Word
The Pressure’s Off by Larry Crabb
Beautiful words. Thank you for your honesty and transparency. May I not be ashamed to admit when I am overwhelmed and run to the Father. I pray for friends to walk beside me that we might share in each other’s trials rejoicing in the One who is our strength and our shield.
Thank you for your kind words, Dawn. Your prayer is powerful—and one I share. There’s such strength in admitting our need and choosing to run to the Father instead of pretending we’re fine. May He surround you with faithful friends who carry the weight with you and reflect His love along the way. We truly are stronger together.