In the past few decades, psychologists have identified a condition called Post Traumatic Stress Disorder that often afflicts survivors of violent crimes, natural disasters or war. Even severe illnesses or other major life events can lead to the kinds of symptoms associated with PTSD.
Now researchers are talking about something else they’ve discovered called “post traumatic growth.” Basically, researchers are coming around to something the Bible understood thousands of years ago – which is that adversity can lead to growth. In fact, adversity may lead to growth in ways nothing else can.
One of the most misquoted Bible verses is this one: “God will never give you more than you can handle.” The Bible does say that no temptation is given to people without a way out (1 Cor. 10:13), but that’s about temptation, not adversity. The fact is people are given more than they can handle all the time.
What the Bible does promise is that you will never be placed in a situation that God can’t handle! Nothing, including death, will place you beyond God’s care and grace. So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed – that’s normal. Just remember that God has your back and spiritual growth may be in your future.