More Than We Can Handle


“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”

‭‭I Corinthians‬ ‭10‬:‭13‬ ‭NKJV‬‬


I think this is one of the most misunderstood, and misquoted verses of the Bible. If we grew up in the church, we probably remember hearing (again and again), “we aren’t given more than we can handle.” But that’s not what it says, this verse tells us, “God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able,” which is different than saying He won’t give us more than we can handle. 


Let’s consider what Jesus himself said in Matthew 19:26, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” On our own, we are not capable of much. We must rely on God for everything. (That doesn’t mean we pray to ask for all we need and sit back waiting for Him to make it all happen, but that’s a whole other topic.) We are designed to showcase God’s glory - how can we possibly do that if we aren’t leaning wholly on Him? 


So, I would argue that we are often given more than we can handle. More conflict, more pain, more struggle, more sorrow, more storms…but fear not, my dear brothers and sisters in Christ! If we lean on God’s strength, God’s mercy, God’s grace, God’s peace…we will find Him not just sustaining us, but He will bring us to the other side with His joy in our hearts!


What about what God does promise in I Corinthians 10:13? This is a separate matter, although I think it is related. No matter how diligently we are seeking God and His will, the devil is going to throw temptations at us. Satan hates it when we follow God, and he is going to try his best to tempt us away. 


God does allow us to be tempted. And He did promise we would not be tempted beyond what we are able…if we are to defeat the enemy, if we are to bear it (temptation) and escape from it, do you think we can do that on our own? I know I can’t! I need to reply on God here just as much as all other areas of this life! I’m sure glad I can always count on Him when I call on Him - and even when I don’t. Aren’t you?


We all have times when we will stumble, and fall. Thank God for His abundant mercy and amazing grace! Thank Hod we’re forgiven. Thank God that His goodness will last forever!!

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