“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians, 12:9, NIV
“God helps those who help themselves.”
“God never gives you more than you can handle.”
Ever hear these common sayings, which are sometimes so often quoted that some folks believe they are actually taken from Scripture?
Well, neither of them comes from Scripture at all, and actually, their sentiment is completely anti-scriptural when we compare it with what the Word actually says. Both of these statements are intended to be encouragements to pick up your chin and your bootstraps and soldier on with strength and individual determination (a very American mentality that is not universal in the rest of the world). However, the Bible, in fact, is not a handbook on how to help yourself, but rather is designed to point out exactly how ill-equipped we are to tackle pretty much anything on our own (without God). But WITH God, ALL things are possible…
I haven’t got the space here to quote all the individual verses that tell us to rely on God instead of our own strength…so I’ll use a wider lens and just point to Jesus: if God intended for us to fix everything and do everything by ourselves, then we wouldn’t need a savior in the first place. It’s exactly because we are unable to save ourselves that Christ was sent to save us. God absolutely does give us more than we can handle…so that we will look to Him instead of ourselves for help. And the more we recognize our own weakness and rely on God instead, the more glory He gets for the outcome.
So when you are weak, let it remind you of how strong He is. When you are unable, may it remind you that He is able. When you are battling the impossible, remember that apart from God, we can do nothing…but with God, all things are possible.
God, thank You for this reminder today that You are the vine and we are the branches; apart from You, we are nothing and our efforts are futile. As we find ourselves in hard places, please remind us to look to You and Your strength instead of our own. Thank You, Lord, for Your promises, protection, and provision. Amen.
Copyright Rhapsody Jordan-Parisi.
Rhapsody is a Christian Educators member and high school English teacher from North Carolina. She is passionate about helping overwhelmed teachers reclaim their time and peace of mind through support, encouragement, and intentional strategies. You can connect with her at tightropeteaching.com.
