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“And Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” Matthew 9:28

You’ve probably heard it said by well-meaning Christians and non-Christians alike: “God won’t give you more than you can handle.” Really? What about all the mindless escapism into social media or binge-watched shows? What about the rampant alcohol and drug abuse in an effort to numb the pain of overwhelming circumstances? What about the growing number of people who feel they absolutely cannot “handle” their situation, so much so that they choose to permanently end the pain and take their own life? (Suicide is the second leading cause of death for Americans age 10-34—those are pre-COVID lockdown stats too. Let that sink in.)

In fact, during my adult life—even my Christian adult life—I’ve been through a lot of very, very hard things. Many of which, frankly, I could not handle. They were simply unbearable. But I am 100% certain that every person reading these words can say the same thing. We have been spiritually, emotionally, psychologically (and, for some of us, physically) pummeled. The storms of this life have brought immeasurable pain to our very souls.

Sisters, as we walk through this fallen world, our steps will take us through plenty of things we cannot handle ourselves. But you know what? There is no circumstance, struggle, or storm too hard for the Creator of the universe (Jeremiah 32:17). When we recognize (and dare I say, admit) that we are not able, but HE IS ABLE, and we surrender the unbearable, a beautiful thing happens…God takes on what we cannot. When we ask, He will answer. Sometimes He floods the darkness with light, so we can see the way…other times, He just carries us through the blackness until we come out the other side.

We will experience a lot of things in life that are not only more than we can handle, but impossible for us to handle. But “is anything too hard for the Lord” (Genesis 18:14)? No! Nothing is too hard for Him (Jeremiah 32: 27). And when we do get through those impossible, unbearable times, it will be unmistakable Who got us though. And all the praise and glory will go to our Lord. After all, that is the point.

In fact, if you are a Christian, then you know a deep Truth about God’s ability to do the impossible (Matthew 19:26). Through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, you were saved. On the cross, He took on your unbearable sin to pay the penalty for you. And if He is able to do that, then how can we think anything is too hard for Him?

“Lord, You are able. May I always surrender my unbearable to You, giving you praise and glory in and out of the storms”.

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life