Strong is the steel framing of a New York skyscraper. Strong is the Oklahoma wind, the body builder lifting a barbell, and the Gulf Stream current. Strong describes many things in this world; only sometimes does it describe me.
Self-reliance is an authoritative theme in my life. I am independent. I do not bother others with my problems. I do not “need” anyone—I can do it on my own. I grew up touting the motto, “God won’t give you more than you can handle.” While independence has earned me some merit, it has also been my foible. It makes my strength look less like love and more like brick walls around my heart. It has the capability to harden my spirit or crack my foundation, and most damagingly, it can make me rely on myself rather than rely on God.
Without going into the particulars, this season of my life has brought forth a sense of uncertainty, uncontrollability, and trepidation. I have been downright afraid. What comes next? How can I do this? Where are you, God? And an old adage popped into my head… “God won’t give you more than you can handle.” Yet, this saying brought me no solace, no comfort. This time, I can’t. I can’t handle this. I can’t make sense of this; I can’t control it. I just can’t.
The truism is this: “He gives power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless.” (Isaiah 40:29, NRSV).
I believe that there are seasons in life that naturally occur. There are times when we make a mess of things, times of change beyond our control, and moments of clarity that pivot the direction of our lives in a way we wouldn’t expect. God didn’t force those things to happen. Just as God did not place this intimidating season into my life because He thought I could “handle” it. Rather, God is here with me for all the times that I can’t handle it. All the times when I try to rely on myself and fall short, He is there to strengthen me.
Strong is the ability to admit we can’t handle it alone. Strong is being willing to call out for help. Stronger still is the power of Christ in our lives. What are the things in your life that you can’t handle without God’s grace? How can you let His love strengthen you today?
-Beth Armstrong, Director of Welcoming Ministry
