Have you ever heard someone say, “God never gives you more than you can handle?” Did they say it to you? Did you say it to someone? A comment like that is often made with good intentions from a person who is attempting to be encouraging. The only trouble is that it is not true. As a matter of fact, the opposite is true – God gives you more than you can handle. I know people who have lost their job, lost their home and even lost their entire retirement. I’ve known people that were given a grave medical diagnosis. I know people who have lost loved ones. That’s the definition of more than one can handle.
So why do people say that? I think that many are actually misquoting 1 Corinthians 10:13 –
13 No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. (Emphasis Mine)
The misquoted verse is actually about temptations we face. It basically says that when we face a temptation, we will have a choice to make and God will give a way to win every time. That doesn’t mean we will win, but it’s not because we don’t have a chance, which means, when I sin, it’s my fault.
So yes, God does give us more than we can handle, but why? It’s so we will learn to rely on God and turn to Him in times of trouble. When God gives me more than I can handle I’m to know and take comfort “…that God caused all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).”
As we study and look back on the temptation of Jesus this week, let us observe the only model we’ve ever been given of a perfect overcoming of temptation. Let us also remember that it is only because of Christ that God will cause all things to work together for our good, despite our many failures. God bless you all, my dear family.
- Wes LeFlore (918) 607-8489 or huskerwes1@gmail.com
