By Leigh DeLozier (Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Goodreads)
“It’s been hard, but we know the Bible tells us God won’t give us more than we can handle.”
The person who told me this a few weeks ago meant well, so I didn’t correct them. I also didn’t want to discourage them while dealing with a difficult situation. But the fact is, although that sentiment is something I’ve heard all my life, it’s not actually true.
Let’s set the record straight on this well-intentioned misquote from the Bible.
“God won’t give us more than we can handle.”
Why do people think the Bible says this? They’re probably misunderstanding what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 10:13:
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV)
What it really means: This verse is about dealing with temptations, not financial struggles or illness or other difficult situations. We all face troubles (which Jesus told us we would in John 16:33) and we all face temptations.
Corinth was a Roman colony and a crossroads for east-west sea traffic. Roman law and customs were in place, but Corinth was a melting pot for multiple cultures and religions. The worship of many gods was integrated into everyday life, from government affairs to social clubs and beyond. Sexual immorality and social division were rampant.
Their society was rife with sin and temptation. Sound familiar?
Temptation itself isn’t sin. Temptation becomes a sin when we follow it into something that goes against what God teaches is right.
In his letter to the Corinthian church, Paul is saying that although they were surrounded by temptations, they didn’t have to give into them. He’s reminding them that when they were tempted by things they knew went against God’s teachings, they needed to ask for God’s help to not give in.
What will happen when they ask for God’s help?
Paul reminds them of the beautiful promise that God is faithful and will “provide a way out” (or “will also provide the way of escape,” as the ESV translation says). We read examples throughout the Bible of times when God is faithful to help people who cry out to Him (such as when the Israelites fled Egypt and when David was on the run from Saul). We hopefully can think of times in our own lives when God has done the same for us.
No matter what kind of temptation we face or how strong its pull over us might be, giving in to it is not our only option. There is always a path in the other direction. That’s not to say it’s easy to turn and walk away from temptation—that’s often the hardest thing to do! But Paul is teaching that when we recognize we’re being tempted and know we aren’t strong enough to stand against it on our own, we need to ask for God’s help. And God will show us how to get out of the situation. Every. Single. Time.
So, no, the Bible doesn’t say that God won’t give us more than we can handle. But the Bible does say—over and over again—that God loves us, hears us, and is faithful to answer when we cry out to Him. And those are promises that will help us handle whatever comes our way.
Your turn: What’s one of your favorite stories of God answering a cry for help? Share a comment below to help encourage someone else!
Does the Bible say God won’t give us more than we can handle? Let’s set the record straight on this well-intentioned saying. #BibleVerse #Devotional
Tweet
Discover more from Leigh DeLozier
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Leigh, thanks for setting the record straight on this scripture. We need to read the Bible for what it says and not according to traditional sayings we may have heard. Blessings my friend!
Yes, Barbara, you’re exactly right! So many things sound like they could be in the Bible but it’s always good to search out things ourselves instead of automatically believing because someone else says it — even when it’s something we’ve heard many times. That’s a prime place for us to get tripped up! Thanks for stopping by, my friend — blessings on your week!
You’re right on target with your explanation, Leigh. I think we do tend to be confused by the interpretation of 1 Cor 10:13. It’s important for us to understand God is always with us to guide us away from temptations that are harmful to ourselves or others. And when circumstances in other ways (financial, emotional, physical crises) are more than we can bear, our Lord is with us when we call to Him for help.