Monday, February 20, 2023
We’ve all been in a situation when it felt like everything was going wrong. Did a well-meaning Christian spout off something like “God won’t give you more than you can handle,” or “When God closes a door, he opens a window”? Perhaps you’ve even given this advice.
Though these cliches aren’t intended to, they often leave the recipient upset and confused. After all, the “advice” isn’t particularly helpful, and these phrases can’t actually be found in Scripture. This past weekend, we began a series to address some of the common phrases Christians spout off when they don’t know what else to say. All of these phrases may sound good at the moment and could theoretically have their roots in the Bible, but the corresponding verses are often taken out of context or twisted to suit the needs of the situation.
Thankfully, we don’t have to rely on these empty promises to get through the trials of this life. The cliches of the world are nothing compared with the actual promises found in the Bible—because God is faithful and will fulfill every one. Through the words of Scripture, we have been given everything we need to provide real comfort, face the struggles of this life, and live a life that honors him.
2 Peter 1:3-4
3 By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. 4 And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.
I’m sure we would all love to have Jesus sitting in the room telling us everything we should do, but that is not how God designed the world to function. Peter was reminding the church, and us, that when we came to Christ, we received the power of the Holy Spirit within us. In combination with Scripture, we have been given all we need to face any trial.
This week we will be unraveling the cliche “God won’t give you more than you can handle” to look at what the Bible actually says. Remember, the real promises of God give life and hope.
Questions:
What was your first response when you learned the phrase “God won’t give you more than you can handle” is not found in the Bible? Are you basing your life on actual promises found in Scripture or on phrases that sound biblical but are only Christian cliches?
Next Steps:
Text Promises to 419-419-0707 to receive a list of over 25 of God’s promises in the Bible. Each promise was selected to remind you of God’s love and faithfulness.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us your Word. Thank you for giving us real promises to cling to when life feels like it is too much. Help us not to look to the empty promises of the world for hope but to go directly to your Word. Thank you for being faithful and honoring those who earnestly seek you. Amen.