No no no, you can't handle this

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. – 1 Corinthians 10:13


If verses had feelings, I think this one would lament over being constantly misunderstood. Often times we think back to this, especially during times of trouble, and think of it in reference to our own personal strengths. We look at it as God’s kudos to our ability to handle tough times and when it’s over we thank God for believing in us if we succeed, or questioning His confidence if we don’t. Yet this verse is not about what we can or can not accomplish, as the rest of the Bible makes very clear. Verses like Philippians 4:13, 2 Corinthians 12:9, and Isaiah 40:29. Even 1 Corinthians 10:12 warns us not to become too confident in our own power.

So what is this verse about, if not about our strength? What is our “ability”? I believe it is our measure of faith. James 1:2-3 tells us that trials are considered the testing of our faith. And it is through faith that God can make good on His promises. Do I truly believe that I can do all things through Christ? Sure, I may have the faith to get through a bad day or two, but what about dealing with the betrayal of a friend, the loss of a loved one or supporting myself and my family through difficult financial times? What will my attitude look like in those situations? When faced with issues of pride, greed, selfishness, lust, anger or bitterness can I pray for wisdom as James instructed, and pray without doubting?

Many times we must allow ourselves to get to the place where we realize that we are insufficient to make it through the struggle before God can provide us an escape. James also reminds us that “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (4:6) and “humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.” (4:10). When we humble ourselves, we give Him free reign to do what needs to be done, with no interference from us and proud minds. In reality, there is no circumstance that we can’t bear, as there is nothing that is too big for Him. The only limitation is in how much we trust Him to provide for us in all situations.

Matthew 9:9 - "As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man called Matthew, sitting in the tax collectors' booth; and He said to him, 'Follow me!' And he got up and followed Him."

Matthew was in the midst of work, in the midst of living his life, when Jesus came and called him. He was not concerned with what his friends would think, or what would happen to his job when he walked out. His earthly status was not as important as his spiritual status.

There are many things I do that I feel are necessary. It is important to have a job, as it is scriptural to be good stewards of our money. I need to work to provide for myself and pay off my debt. But do I rely on my job to allow me to do that or am I relying on the One who provides? If I lose my source of income, would I worry about where my next meal, next car payment will come from? More importantly, would I be willing to leave on my own volition or would it take a circumstance that forces me out? I have been in difficult situations with finances and have trusted in God. But I still have a hard time leaving when God says go.

Matthew had the privilege of having Jesus there and knowing for certain that it was His voice calling him. I must learn to recognize Jesus' voice so that I know when it is He who calls me.

Matthew 9:29 - "It shall be done to you according to your faith."

God answers the prayers of the righteous. The righteous shall live by faith (James 5:16, Romans 1:17). Our faith determines the measure of our blessing. If I have faith only enough to believe I will receive little, little will be given. But If I have faith enough to believe I will receive much, much will be given.

Inspired by Steve's sermon

In Matthew 14, Jesus was saddened by the news of John's beheading. he tried to go off into a solitary place to mourn and to be alone. But instead of that happening, the crowds followed Him. Instead of sending them away, He paid no mind to His desires, but only of the desires of those who came to Him.

Matthew 14:29-30 - Peter's focus was solely on Jesus, and because of this, he was able to walk on the water. But then he noticed the winds and the waves - his circumstances. By shifting some of his focus to these things, his sights were taken off of Jesus, and that is when he began to sink. but when he cries out for help, immediately Jesus reached out His hand and caught him.

Hebrews 12:1-2 - We can overcome trials when our focus is on Jesus (Proverbs 3:5)

Matthew 14:29 - Peter stepped out of the boat. Are we - am I - willing to defy the odds and do what goes against logic?

1. Peter went against popular opinion - Are we more influenced by the world, the church, friends, family, than we are Jesus?

2. Peter defied modern wisdom - Are we too analytical? Do we rely more on logic? (Gideon, Joshua @ Jericho)

1 Corinthians 1:18-31

3. Peter stepped out of the boat, into the storm - He left what was safe, went into the midst of their problems. 

Jesus left the comforts of heaven into the turmoil of this world so that God's will can be done.

Peter asked, received and acted. Often we ask for God to work, and when He shows us His will, we make all sorts of excuses as to why we can't do them. Things didn't work out perfectly for Peter. But the worked out. And he walked on water.

We are not our own

"Lord, I know that a person's life doesn't really belong to him. no one can control his own life." - Jeremiah 10:23 NCV

Children are not capable of directing themselves. They constantly need guidance, and gain lessons on life. However, as they become adults, they feel they've learned all they need to know to direct their own lives.

Yet, we will never know everything. Life is a constant series of learning, whether it be from parents, teachers, froemds or other means. Our knowledge ultimately comes from God. Only He knows what was, what is, and what shall be.

If anyone wants to know "why do we need God?" I direct them to Romans 7:14-25. In the Message, verse 16 says: "So if I can't be trusted to figure out what is best for myself and then do it, it becomes obvious that God's command is necessary." And verse 18 states: "I realize that I don't have what it takes. I can will it, but I can't do it." 

We are not strong enough to always make the right decisions. Because of our free will, our minds are always at war with themselves, pulling us this way and that. The natural tendency of man is to do what pleases him, the things that bring the most comfort, even when we know those things aren't the best in the long run. Cake may sound like a much tastier snack than fruit, or a salad, so we eat it, paying no regard to the stomach ache or the extra pounds we know we'll soon have. Our minds want to live in the now, and ignore the task of planning for the future. 

But God has only one will. With God, there is only one direction you can go when you're walking with Him. And though at the present it may seem that God is trying to direct you to a place that seems detrimental to your present happiness, ultimately, if you stick it out, things turn out for the best. Because that is what He promised.

If this response is fitting for non-Christians, it holds even more validity for Christians. There are many out there who slander the name of Jesus. And we wonder how God could allow such a thing to continue. But Paul has told us. The actions of these believers come from a desire to do good. But they have let that desire get the best of them and have run off without waiting to discover what God's plan is. As a result, evil is there to trip them up, and instead of bringing glory to God, they bring Him dishonour. There is nothing wrong with being gung-ho and wanting to go out and do God's will. I applaud those who are. But we must be patient and wait for God's command first: and always.