We have this treasure in clay jars so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us.

2 Corinthians 4:7

An English major through and through, I’m a lover of language and a firm believer in the importance of citing sources and supporting claims. It should come as no surprise then to learn that I’m always shocked when I discover that a commonly held Christian belief, a statement I may have even made myself a time or two, is not actually in the Bible or even supported really by Biblical truth.

For example, on my mind today is the statement that:

• God won’t give you more than you can handle.

Not in the Bible, my friend. Nope. Not once.

Not anywhere between Genesis and Revelation.

This realization first came to me a few years ago while studying the statement with my small group. In our study, we determined that it seems likely that over the years folks have drawn from 1 Corinthians 10:13 – God will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear – and misinterpreted the word “tempted” as “troubled”. Over the years, like all things, people forget where it came from and the cliche moves forward as a cultural phrase to be used in difficult times to encourage others to be strong, have hope, push through whatever is going on.

BUT God, God has clearly defined temptation throughout the Bible as the desire to sin or the consideration of disobeying Him. Temptation is a thought or feeling that tries to lead us to go against God’s commandments and His teachings and will for our lives.

Temptation is NOT financial burden, death of a loved one, deterioration of a relationship, physical illness, or any other thing that brings hardship into our lives. These are troubles and Jesus actually tells us we will have trouble in this world:

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33

When we are faced with these worldly troubles, God tells us to come to Him, to let Him handle them, to lay them at His feet (Psalm 46:1, Matthew 11:28, 2 Corinthians 12:9, and so many more).

Sweet friend, God allows us to receive more than we can handle, so we will remember to allow Him to handle all we receive.

As Paul explained to the church in Corinth, we are but clay vessels, made from dust, easy to crack, sometimes a bit broken, but in us, oh in us, Sisters and Brothers, Christ has placed a treasure beyond all comparison; through the gift of salvation, the very light of the world resides in us, the Spirit of God sits on the throne of our hearts.

When God resides in our hearts, there isn’t anything we face that He won’t tackle. God doesn’t promise us a trouble free life; God promises that others will come to know Him by witnessing how He strengthens and calms us, how He gives us peace.

Dear heart, don’t think you’ve failed as a Christian because you’re not handling something well. Don’t think God has failed you because you’ve been dealt more than you can handle. Like clay in the Potter’s hand, oftentimes the most difficult shaping and working is what allows the beauty of the artist’s creation to show through more clearly.

Beloved, we’ll get more than we can handle in this world and that’s a fact. Troubled times will pass when the work is done, but so long as we’re still kicking, God has work for you and for me. Hold tight to what you know is true. Cling to the Father. Let the Potter work His wonders. It may take a while – every work of beauty does – but I guarantee God is making something miraculous out of you and your life’s story!