Therefore, let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you except such that 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 a way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 NKJV
We often hear it said, “God never gives us more than we can handle.” I think it is supposed to be a source of comfort to someone who is going through a hard time, but I’m not sure how comforting it is. Many people believe this saying is in the Bible, but it isn’t.
People take 1 Corinthians 10:13, the second verse in our Scripture passage, to mean God never gives us more than we can handle. So, let’s look at it in its proper context to see what Paul is telling the church at Corinth here.
If we go to the beginning of the chapter, Paul is speaking of all God did for their ancestors like guiding them through the Red Sea, guiding them by a cloud, providing both physical and spiritual food, and providing water from a rock. He goes on to say that because of their lack of self-discipline and sin, God was not pleased with them.
They died in the wilderness because of their sin. Paul refers specifically to their idolatry, sexual immorality, testing God, and complaining. He is encouraging the church at Corinth not to follow their examples because it led to them dying in the wilderness. That early generation never made it to the Promised Land.
All these things happened as examples for us. This is what I love about the Bible, it gives us examples of how to live our lives in a way that pleases God. It also gives examples of how to not please God. It shows that those who pleased God were blessed and those who failed to please God suffered. It also showed some who served God suffer, but triumph in the end.
Our Scripture passage begins in verse 12 which says if you think you stand to be careful that you don’t fall. This is speaking of pride. When we think we are in control or we think we’ve got it going on, this is pride. We are told in Proverbs 16:18 pride goes before the fall or before destruction.
Paul is warning them that their pride will destroy them or cause them to fall. Pride leads us to think we can handle whatever comes our way. Paul said in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Our strength is in Christ. We should not rely on our power because we have no strength or power without Him.
In Isaiah 41:10, God said, “Fear not for I am with you; be not dismayed for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
In Philippians 4:6-7 we are told, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God and the peace which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
In John 16:33, Jesus told His disciples, “I have said these things that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and not rely on our own understanding. In all our ways we should acknowledge Him and He will make our crooked paths straight.
When Jesus was tempted by Satan, He responded with Scripture each time saying, “It is written…” Study your Bible, know your Bible. When you are tempted, know what God’s word says about whatever you are facing. Pray to God to deliver you from that temptation.
The other great thing about the Bible is that Scripture explains or backs up Scripture. James 1:13-15 explains that God never tempts us. We are tempted when we are drawn away and tempted by our own desires. Our desires give way to sin, and sin brings death.
James goes on in verses 21-22 that we must lay aside all filthiness and wickedness and receive God’s word which is able to save our souls. He says that we must be doers of God’s word and not hearers only.
Trust in God. Study His word. Pray continually so that you will not be deceived and drawn away from Him.
Have a great day!