“God won’t give you more than you can handle.”

We’ve all heard that. And I used to believe it the way most people do—like we’re supposed to carry the weight on our own. But what I’ve learned is that God never meant for us to handle it alone. What Scripture actually shows us is that with Him—with His strength, His Spirit—we can endure, overcome, and be refined, not ruined.

“God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape…”

– 1 Corinthians 10:13

So if your heart is heavy today, and you’ve got a thousand pounds on your soul, I want to tell you something: It’s not because God is punishing you.

It might be because He’s building you. Strength isn’t built in the sunshine; it’s built in the storm. We always ask, “Why is this happening to me?” But maybe the better question is, “What is God trying to strengthen in me?”

And here’s the truth: Letting go isn’t a phrase—it’s an act.

I used to say, “God, I give it to You.”

But I wasn’t really giving it to Him.

I was saying the words while still clinging to the burden with both hands. It wasn’t until I broke—truly broke—and hit my knees, crying out through worship, that I really let it go.

I was at a men’s weekend, trying to surrender, and every time I sang “I’m Available,” I cried. But God whispered, “You’re not really letting Me in.” I kept saying, “I’m here, I’m yours,” and He kept saying, “Not yet.” It wasn’t until I laid everything down—my pain, my pride, my past—that He stepped in and filled every empty space.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

– Matthew 11:28

When I let go for real, I wept like I never had before. But when the tears stopped, I was free.

And I’ve had to do it again and again. Because we pick things back up. That’s human. But letting go doesn’t have to be complicated.

Sometimes I just listen to worship music. And I cry. I don’t even have the words—but the Holy Spirit does.

“The Spirit Himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.”

– Romans 8:26

And in that surrender, sometimes all I can say is, “Thank You, Jesus.”

That’s enough. Because He hears every tear, every silence, every moan.

Here’s what I want you to know:

Prayer isn’t just kneeling and listing requests.

Prayer is living in communion with God.

My grandma, Mama Grande, used to walk around all day whispering, “Thank You, Jesus.” That was her prayer. She was in constant conversation with her Savior. That’s what Paul meant when he said:

“Pray without ceasing.”

– 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Worship is prayer. Gratitude is prayer. Tears are prayer.

Singing—no matter how off-key—is prayer. He just wants to hear you.

So here’s my challenge to you:

For one week—just seven days—fill every spare moment with worship.

In the car. In the shower. On your walk. Don’t just play the music—sing it. Read the lyrics. Lift your hands. Cry if you need to. Laugh if you feel joy. But don’t hold anything back.

And if you want a playlist, reach out to me. I’ll send it to you.

But give God your whole heart—not just your Sunday heart, not just your church face.

The real, messy, burdened, beautiful, broken you.

And watch Him trade that heaviness for peace.

“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”

– 1 Peter 5:7

Let go, for real this time.

Let go so God can lift you up.

Amen.

 

-Rev Carlos Figueroa