#32 Top 40 New Testament Passages: God Won’t Give You More Than You Can Handle (1st Corinthians 10:13)
No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it. (1st Corinthians 10:13)
You heard people say it before in difficult times, "God won't give you more than you can handle." While I appreciate the attempt to console with such a statement, I've never found that idea to be comforting. Implicit in the statement is a God who deals out suffering and trials. Some will tell you it's for your own good. God is testing you, to mature you. Indeed the author of Hebrews takes a similar stance.
And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as children—
“My child, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,
or lose heart when you are punished by him;
for the Lord disciplines those whom he loves,
and chastises every child whom he accepts.”
Endure trials for the sake of discipline. God is treating you as children; for what child is there whom a parent does not discipline? If you do not have that discipline in which all children share, then you are illegitimate and not his children. Moreover, we had human parents to discipline us, and we respected them. Should we not be even more willing to be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share his holiness. Now, discipline always seems painful rather than pleasant at the time, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. (Hebrews 12:5-11)
You will note that the author is making the recommendation to think of trials as training from an engaged and loving parent. Parents who are not engaged in child-rearing end up with little tyrants who don't know how to live responsibly. They've been left to themselves to figure life out. With no helpful guide the child is alone and ill-equipped to handle even the smallest obstacles. But a parent who is fully engaged in raising their child toward maturity will work patiently to train and tutor, coach and mentor their child for life.
Training or discipline is hard work. It's not usually a fun or easy thing. But when you know the rewards, discipline becomes habit that releases hopeful joy and peace. An athlete knows the value of training. She gives it everything in order to grow and advance her ability, strength and grace. Every trophy on her shelf is a testament to her hard work and training. She takes joy in her growth and achievement. She is grateful for coaches who helped her gain victory.
I do not think of God dishing out doom. During this current health crisis there have already been those who claim God is punishing the world for its sins. Some are claiming the end of the world is coming. Armageddon is upon us, they warn. Get your house in order and be ready to meet your maker, they warn. While I appreciate their attempt to give meaning to this crisis, I think it's the wrong message. The scriptures are filled with this kind of thinking, especially the Old Testament. The Hebrews thought everything that happens, good, bad and ugly, comes from God's hand. I belong to a tradition that believes we have freedom to choose much of our course through life. God is working for good in all our choices, even the bad ones. Not everything that happens is from God's choosing, but God always chooses to love us and to act according to God's own redemptive purpose.
We struggle to find purpose and meaning in the midst of suffering. We say things like, "Everything happens for a reason." "God must have some good reason to allow this to happen. We just don't see it yet." "God needed them in heaven, more than we needed them here." I struggle with how such sentiments are helpful, but I've heard many say such things. I've seen people comforted by the idea that their suffering somehow fits into God's plan for their life and the world.
We find it difficult to accept that life is messy. Life doesn't fit into our neat categories, or our sense of order. When tragedy strikes, we are knocked off our balance. Theologizing in such times is an expression of our attempt to regain balance and a sense of security. The problem is that we are generally poor students of the scriptures. We pick up what we can about God through what others say, what we've heard preachers say that stuck with us, or what we may have read in a devotional magazine, book or blog. Our understanding of God is a patchwork of various sources, portions of faith we've picked through and stitched together.
Reading the Bible a bit here and there, a verse for the day kind of reading, without a comprehension of the whole, can lead to bad theology. We have the tendency to read what we already think into the scriptures, rather than allow discovery. I would even go so far as to say that there is bad theology in the Bible that speaks more of human prejudice than of the nature of God. That doesn't make the scriptures useless or lack divine authority. There's an ongoing conversation happening in the Bible. There's a progression of thought occurring, under the redemptive work of God, in the life of Israel and the Church of Jesus Christ. The word of God is more than ink on page. And the word of God speaks to every generation a timely message. The redemptive work of God is happening right now in this Coronavirus pandemic.
So when you hear somebody say, "God won't give you more than you can handle", or some variation of it, know that such a statement is not actually in the Bible. The closest the Bible comes to saying it is in today's Top 40 New Testament selection.
The Apostle Paul writes to the church in Corinth, Greece, which was experiencing rival factions and disputes. Paul addresses a variety of church discipline issues, including incest in the name of Christian freedom! (1st Corinthians 5:1-2) There were some in the church who took Paul's talk of freedom from the Law of Moses as license to do whatever they pleased. In this section of his letter Paul addresses the Corinthians misunderstanding about what it means to be free in Jesus Christ.
You say, “Everything is permissible for me,” but not everything is helpful. “Everything is permissible for me,” but I will not be brought under the control of anything. (1st Corinthians 6:12)
But take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. (1st Corinthians 8:9)
Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did... These things happened to them to serve as an example, and they were written down to instruct us, on whom the ends of the ages have come. So if you think you are standing, watch out that you do not fall. (1st Corinthians 10:6, 11-12)
No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. (1st Corinthians 10:13)
...with the testing God will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it. (1st Corinthians 10:13)
And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as children—
“My child, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,
or lose heart when you are punished by him;
for the Lord disciplines those whom he loves,
and chastises every child whom he accepts.”
Endure trials for the sake of discipline. God is treating you as children; for what child is there whom a parent does not discipline? If you do not have that discipline in which all children share, then you are illegitimate and not his children. Moreover, we had human parents to discipline us, and we respected them. Should we not be even more willing to be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share his holiness. Now, discipline always seems painful rather than pleasant at the time, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. (Hebrews 12:5-11)
You will note that the author is making the recommendation to think of trials as training from an engaged and loving parent. Parents who are not engaged in child-rearing end up with little tyrants who don't know how to live responsibly. They've been left to themselves to figure life out. With no helpful guide the child is alone and ill-equipped to handle even the smallest obstacles. But a parent who is fully engaged in raising their child toward maturity will work patiently to train and tutor, coach and mentor their child for life.
Training or discipline is hard work. It's not usually a fun or easy thing. But when you know the rewards, discipline becomes habit that releases hopeful joy and peace. An athlete knows the value of training. She gives it everything in order to grow and advance her ability, strength and grace. Every trophy on her shelf is a testament to her hard work and training. She takes joy in her growth and achievement. She is grateful for coaches who helped her gain victory.
I do not think of God dishing out doom. During this current health crisis there have already been those who claim God is punishing the world for its sins. Some are claiming the end of the world is coming. Armageddon is upon us, they warn. Get your house in order and be ready to meet your maker, they warn. While I appreciate their attempt to give meaning to this crisis, I think it's the wrong message. The scriptures are filled with this kind of thinking, especially the Old Testament. The Hebrews thought everything that happens, good, bad and ugly, comes from God's hand. I belong to a tradition that believes we have freedom to choose much of our course through life. God is working for good in all our choices, even the bad ones. Not everything that happens is from God's choosing, but God always chooses to love us and to act according to God's own redemptive purpose.
We struggle to find purpose and meaning in the midst of suffering. We say things like, "Everything happens for a reason." "God must have some good reason to allow this to happen. We just don't see it yet." "God needed them in heaven, more than we needed them here." I struggle with how such sentiments are helpful, but I've heard many say such things. I've seen people comforted by the idea that their suffering somehow fits into God's plan for their life and the world.
We find it difficult to accept that life is messy. Life doesn't fit into our neat categories, or our sense of order. When tragedy strikes, we are knocked off our balance. Theologizing in such times is an expression of our attempt to regain balance and a sense of security. The problem is that we are generally poor students of the scriptures. We pick up what we can about God through what others say, what we've heard preachers say that stuck with us, or what we may have read in a devotional magazine, book or blog. Our understanding of God is a patchwork of various sources, portions of faith we've picked through and stitched together.
Reading the Bible a bit here and there, a verse for the day kind of reading, without a comprehension of the whole, can lead to bad theology. We have the tendency to read what we already think into the scriptures, rather than allow discovery. I would even go so far as to say that there is bad theology in the Bible that speaks more of human prejudice than of the nature of God. That doesn't make the scriptures useless or lack divine authority. There's an ongoing conversation happening in the Bible. There's a progression of thought occurring, under the redemptive work of God, in the life of Israel and the Church of Jesus Christ. The word of God is more than ink on page. And the word of God speaks to every generation a timely message. The redemptive work of God is happening right now in this Coronavirus pandemic.
So when you hear somebody say, "God won't give you more than you can handle", or some variation of it, know that such a statement is not actually in the Bible. The closest the Bible comes to saying it is in today's Top 40 New Testament selection.
The Apostle Paul writes to the church in Corinth, Greece, which was experiencing rival factions and disputes. Paul addresses a variety of church discipline issues, including incest in the name of Christian freedom! (1st Corinthians 5:1-2) There were some in the church who took Paul's talk of freedom from the Law of Moses as license to do whatever they pleased. In this section of his letter Paul addresses the Corinthians misunderstanding about what it means to be free in Jesus Christ.
You say, “Everything is permissible for me,” but not everything is helpful. “Everything is permissible for me,” but I will not be brought under the control of anything. (1st Corinthians 6:12)
Paul tells the sexually immoral (our culture would say the sexually liberated or adventurous) to choose to honor God with their bodies, for they were bought (set free from sin and death) with the precious blood of Christ. (1st Corinthians 6:19-20) Paul addresses marital relations and food sacrificed to pagan gods.
The Corinthians lived on a sea port. There was a bustling city market. Unless you owned your own flocks, the only way you were going to get meat is to purchase it from the city's market, which was supplied by pagan shrines. Meat sacrificed to idols became a moral issue for the early church. Paul agreed that eating the meat sold at the market was permissible, considering the practicality of the situation, but he was concerned how some in the church would be affected.
But take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. (1st Corinthians 8:9)
Paul reflects his own ministry as an example for the Church. Paul points out that he has a right to be paid for preaching as an apostle of the Lord, but Paul hasn't demanded payment. He worked as a tent maker utilizing his hands to earn his pay. For the sake of the gospel, Paul labors in any and every way he can to win souls for Christ. (1st Corinthians 9:1-27) So we see, in Paul's example, the same idea of offering up one's right to choose for the sake of Christ's work in the world. Paul is fully committed to Christ. There is no other choice for him. And we are blessed by such men and women.
Paul then draws upon the history of Israel recorded in Torah, when the recently freed Hebrews are wandering in the wilderness between slavery in Egypt and the Promised Land. Paul points out that an entire generation perished in the desert because they rebelled against God.
Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did... These things happened to them to serve as an example, and they were written down to instruct us, on whom the ends of the ages have come. So if you think you are standing, watch out that you do not fall. (1st Corinthians 10:6, 11-12)
This is the context in which we read the verse that gave inspiration to the idea that God won't give you more than you can handle. Paul is addressing issues of conscience concerning food sacrificed to idols. During this painful dispute, the Corinthians should know that God will help them endure it.
Let's look at what Paul is saying in detail.
No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. (1st Corinthians 10:13)
First he says that whatever difficult trial the Corinthians may experience, is not unique. Other people have gone through similar things. The scriptures give examples of Israel's struggles in the wilderness. We will face similar struggles in our journey.
I've often found comfort in knowing that others have come through similar struggles. Support groups are an excellent example of gaining strength, hope and insight from fellow wilderness wanderers. I am comforted to know that the universe hasn't singled me out for pain. God isn't necessarily giving you difficulties to test you. Trials come to us all.
God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength... (1st Corinthians 10:13)
God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength... (1st Corinthians 10:13)
Like the author of Hebrews, Paul would have us consider every difficulty in life as an opportunity for training, growth, and proof of God's faithfulness to us. God is with us in everything, so make the best of it. Learn to seek some spiritual benefit, in the midst of every trial, through your relationship with your loving heavenly parent. God is fully engaged in your nurture and growth. God knows when you have reached your limits. God knows when to step in and relieve you. Every good athlete knows, if they are to grow, they must push against the boundaries of their physical limits. In the same way, God can move us toward spiritual maturity in the trials of life.
...with the testing God will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it. (1st Corinthians 10:13)
God knows when we need an escape from suffering, but what Paul is really addressing is temptation to sin against God during difficulties. In all the trials of life, we have the choice to embrace God in faithfulness or curse God in resentment. How many have fallen away from faith because of pain? When a loved one dies, when cancer strikes, when a job is lost, when a house burns to the ground, when a car accident brings permanent paralysis; there are tragedies that crush a spirit. But those who trust God through it all will find a way to endure every trial. God will provide. God is faithful.
What's interesting is the way out God will provide is a death of sorts. Ask yourself, "What needs to die in me in order to endure this trial?" I know in my own experience, I've had to die to the illusion that I am in control. I've had to learn again and again that the Lord reigns, not me. I've learned the grace of letting go. And often I've needed to learn that lesson again.
Rather than assign blame to God for trials in life, acknowledge that life is messy. This world is fallen and broken. Life doesn't go the way we think it ought to. Humans don't always behave according to their best nature. Most of the suffering that occurs in this life is the result of human sin and shortsightedness, not tests of faith from God's hands. Even natural tragedies, like earthquakes and destructive storms, are understood as part of a world in bondage to decay. (Romans 8:20-21)
God is with you always. God is faithful to you, a beloved child of God. God will train you and lead you through every trial in life. God will steady you when you begin to fall. God will always pick you up. God will bless you with grace and wisdom through it all. God is ever working to liberate life. And when death threatens to end you, God will be there with you providing an escape to eternal glory.
Comments
Post a Comment