By Lisa Copen:
Why is life so hard?
Over and over I have heard the saying, “God doesn’t give you more than you can handle.” But what about the pain. . . the grief. . . the depression. . . the darkness? It is more than we can handle. Much more. There are days that we wonder, is life worth living if we have to get up every day and fight to be strong?
We look enviously at others who seem to not struggle and wonder why God seems to bless those that can handle so little, and curse those of us who are so strong.
As I have dealt with the physical and emotional losses since my twenties when I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, I have heard this cliche answer from the stranger at the store to my pastor who was grasping to instill encouragement at my hospital bedside.
Have you noticed how people ask, “So, how are you?” and no matter how badly things are, and how honest you may be with them, their answer is, “Well, God doesn’t give us more than we can handle”? In other words, buck up! Hang in there! Find something to get your mind off of it. Get out of the house. Don’t worry because God doesn’t give us more than we can handle.
It feels like they are saying, “Obviously you aren’t handling life’s challenges nearly as well as I am.”
Let me tell you something that may come as a surprise. God does give us more than we can handle. Every day He may place us in the position where the pain is too much to bear. Why? Because we were never meant to do this life without Him! He gives you more than you can handle–but not how much you and He–together–can handle.
Hebrews 13:5 tells us, “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.” And Philippians 4:13 reminds us that we were not created to do this life on our own. We can do all things through Christ who gives us strength. We do not have to be strong on our own.
There will be days when you may wake up and think, I can’t do this. I cannot keep living this way. Why is life worth living if I can’t meet the expectations of others or even myself? I cannot figure out how to get rid of this darkness that haunts me.
There are no simple answers, except to speak to God about it. You were designed to need to turn to Him a million times a day. God does give you more than you can handle because you were never meant to handle it.
In the video below, vocal artist Matthew West, speaks to a young girl who has experienced 13 surgeries due to one car accident. Her mom tried to encourage her by telling her God wouldn’t give her more than she could handle. Her response–and her journey–became the inspiration for song, “Strong Enough,” which is also included in the video.
Lisa Copen has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for nineteen years, and has found purpose in her pain by reaching out to others with chronic illness. Her organization, Rest Ministries, serves those with chronic illness or pain through daily devotionals and other programs.
On days you are wondering Why is life so hard? visit Finding God Daily. There you will find stories from many who have overcome great obstacles with God’s help.
I could not agree more Lisa. As a 3 time cancer survivor who has also experienced the loss of 5 children, I am passionate about telling people that God WILL give us more than we can handle. I believe that God will allow us to be stretched beyond our human capabilities in order to show us our need for Him, to deepen our faith, and to show us that HIS strength is limitless!
Thank you Lisa. And thank you Erica for writing what i have been feeling lately. I have severe fibromyalgia, but lately ive been realising if I never got ill, I never would have had to sincerely search for God, and lean on jesus like I am now.
x
I too am fighting what could be described as a losing battle and do not understand why GOD has left me here. I too say GOD will not put more on us than we can bear but the rest of it says but with that tempetation HE will make a way for our escape. Maybe we need to consentrate on the escape way which is CHRIST JESUS and not so much on our troubles. Maybe just maybe HE wants us to completely turn our lives over to HIS contro; and obey HIM in all things. Just saying. GOD Bless everyone.
Thanks to all of you who have shared your hearts. I have an inkling of trying to understand questioning why God allows us to have multiple sufferings. sometimes just “maintaining” life seems like a full time job and celebrations always seem to be interrupted by these challenge. I so miss the carefreeness of life before illness, but I have not known anything else for nearly 20 years. You are all special to God, however, and your appreciation of the little things in life are so much greater than most will every experience. I know it doesn’t seem fair. but that is what prayer—and fellowship with people like you–is for. bless you, Lisa
In the midst of turmoil, I felt lost. I thought..Why is life so hard? I had just tried to sort out a financial issue when it occurred to me to just type in “Why is life so hard?” It was the very first thing GOOGLE started to recommend as a topic. Crazy. It is hard.But I do believe the comments here are true. Life is hard because we ase in a fallen world and without God, we feel like we can’t make it. Next time instead of typing a search in Google, I will bow my head in prayer and thank God He is always with me. I will pray He will give me courage and keep the fire of hope burning inside me. Thank you for this story and for this tesimony, and for the wonderful song. I have heard others by Matthew but not this one. Bless you!
Angel, oh, thanks so much for writing. It are comments like this that make me want to keep writing even in my own trials and pain. You have encouraged me today and I thank you for taking the time to comment. I am sorry you are going through a difficult time–and financial issues can be extra stressful! I am sending up a prayer right now just for you and I hope that the day improves. God bless, lisa