"More Than We Can Handle" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

A lot of people have heard, shared, or believed the following statement: “God will never give you more than you can handle.” There’s some truth in that cliche - but we need to clarify it with God’s Word! The Bible promises that we will never be tempted with sin beyond our ability to resist it. We can choose whether or not to sin; however, we cannot choose our situations, or whether or not we’ll suffer. Therefore, God DOES allow us to experience situations and suffering that we cannot handle - at least on our own. God has a purpose for our pain when the going gets tough in our lives. He may be trying to grow our strength, grow our faith, or grow our relationship with Him. It’s in Christ that we find the strength to overcome in spite of our circumstances. God never gives us more than we can handle when we find our strength in Him.

Main Passage

13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
- 1 Corinthians 10:13

8 For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. 9 Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead.
- 2 Corinthians 1:8-9

12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
- Philippians 4:12-13

9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
- 2 Corinthians 12:9

Discussion Questions

  1. Are you facing any situations or circumstances right now that are overwhelming? What is it?

  2. Our “strength,” on a spiritual level, can be broken up into character (who we are as people), our competencies (the things we do well), and our capacity (how much we’re able to handle). Do you think God may be developing your strength in any of these three areas? How?

  3. God wants to grow our faith and our relationship with Him. How have past trials, or even a current one, helped you grow in those two things?