Rev Gav

Does God let us be tested us more than we can bear?

Over the years, when Christians face difficulty, I have heard other Christians say, “God won’t let you be tested more than you can bear!” They are quoting directly from Paul’s letter to the church in Corinth, therefore it is in the Bible, but is it really true? Does God let us be tested more than we can bear?

Now here’s a thing. When Paul writes:

“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.” (1 Corinthians 10:13 NRSV)

We must remember that the ‘you’ is plural. He even starts that whole section writing to Brothers and Sisters. So, although it is true that God will not let ‘us’ be tested beyond our strength, this does not apply to the individual. It is evident (and I am testimony to this) that on our own, we can become overwhelmed and unable to cope. The point is that we are not meant to do this thing called life on our own. We need each other and we need the strength of others.

I’m reminded of this verse from Ecclesiastes:

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labour: if either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NIV)

So… yes, when you are at the end of yourself, lean into God, but also lean into your family in Christ. Reach out because we need each other. x