Paul tells us: “God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength but with your testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13). Over time that promise has become abbreviated to “God will never give you more than you can handle.” Like many others, I’ve derived comfort from these words, though I know God does not “give” me loss, pain and grief.
Like most bumper-sticker theology, this promise appeals to my concerns about myself and my well-being. If I take Paul’s words and God’s faithfulness seriously, I must also look beyond my self-centeredness to the pain and severe testing others endure. What of the hungry, the abused, the victims of racism? What of the people of the world who have known no other life than a daily existence of war and terror? Could it be that God could use me to provide a “way out” for the hopeless? Could I help others handle life?
A better bumper sticker might be: “God is faithful.”
Terry L. Bowes
Bowes is a member of First Lutheran Church, Longmont, Colo.
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FAQs
It's saying that there will always be suffering, trial, temptations, pain, and situations that we won't be able to handle on our own.
Does the Bible say God never gives us more than we can handle? ›
IT IS NOT TRUE! From a Christian perspective, there are plenty of things that God may allow in your life that you cannot handle (or handle very well). There is no scripture that says otherwise. The scripture does say that “no temptation” will come upon you that God will not make a way of escape (1 Cor.
When God is going to give you more than you asked for Bible verse? ›
Ephesians 3:20 The Passion Translation (TPT)
He will achieve infinitely more than your greatest request, your most unbelievable dream, and exceed your wildest imagination! He will outdo them all, for his miraculous power constantly energizes you.
What does God say about more than enough? ›
Yes, God is more than ready to overwhelm you with every form of grace, so that you will have more than enough of everything —every moment and in every way. He will make you overflow with abundance in every good thing you do.
Why does God let bad things happen? ›
Because He knows this and loves us, He doesn't usually interfere with the consequences of our choices. If He forced us to make the right decisions, it would be impossible for us to grow and reach our divine potential. It would be impossible to live by faith in Him and His plan for our happiness.
Does God ever give up on us? ›
Summing up this first kind of abandonment, we can say that when we persist obstinately in our sins, sometimes God abandons us to the consequences of our own actions. Yet He never does this out of pettiness or spite; it is only ever as a last resort, and it is always out of love.
Will God give you more than you can ask or imagine? ›
Ephesians 3:20 In-Context
20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!
What does Psalm 86:15 say? ›
15 But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. 16 Turn to me and have mercy on me; show your strength in behalf of your servant; save me, because I serve you just as my mother did.
What does 1 Corinthians 10/13 mean? ›
God promises that we can, in the power of the Holy Spirit, respond to any given temptation by resisting it. Finally, Paul adds to this promise that God will always make a way of escape out of whatever temptation stands before us. If we look for a way to say no to whatever sin compels us, God promises we will find it.
How much more will God give good things? ›
Matthew 7:11 New International Version (NIV)
If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
When God gives you this peace, you have to receive it with a measure of faith. You have to trust Him. Not because you understand, but because you know Who it is you are trusting- that He is faithful, good.
How much does God ask us to give? ›
In fact, we are called to willingly offer 20, 30 or even 100 percent (Luke 18:22) if that is what the Lord should require of us. Many Christians have adopted a system called 10 – 10 – 80, which is to give 10 percent of their total income, save 10 percent and live on 80 percent.
What pleases God more than anything? ›
Hebrews 11:6.
Why Jesus is more than enough? ›
Jesus can bring what no one else can provide and He is always more than enough! We can place ALL of our trust in God and believe with ALL of our heart that He will do above and beyond all that we could ask or imagine.
What God says about not feeling good enough? ›
Scripture for when you feel like you're not enough
Zephaniah 3:17 – The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. Psalm 139:14 – I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
What does God promise that he will never do? ›
He will not leave you or forsake you." This promise is repeated and emphasized in the New Testament as well. For instance, in the book of Hebrews, it is reiterated in Hebrews 13:5: "Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.
What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 10 13? ›
10:13). That means we may need to wrestle, but we do so by God's power. We may need to see a temptation to its end, but God is faithful. When tempted to presume upon the grace of Christ, God will empower us to endure—for our good, the good of the church, and for his glory.
What does 2 Corinthians 10 13 mean? ›
Paul declares that he and his associates will not boast beyond limits. This means they would not overtly promote themselves in order to win a popularity contest against opponents. Instead, they would only boast about what God had given them to do in their own specific area of influence.
