Where In The Bible Does It Say God Will Not Put More On You Than You Can Bear
The idea that ‘God will not put more on you than you can bear’ is a popular saying that many Christians believe comes from the Bible. But does the Bible actually say this verbatim? The answer may surprise you.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: The exact phrase ‘God will not put more on you than you can bear’ does not appear word-for-word in the Bible. However, there are several passages that convey a similar sentiment about God not allowing unbearable trials.
In this comprehensive article, we will examine the Scripture passages that are often cited in relation to this common saying. We will look at the biblical context and meaning behind each passage to shed light on what the Bible truly promises regarding the burdens and trials followers of Christ may face.
The Saying in 1 Corinthians 10:13
The Wording of 1 Corinthians 10:13
The verse that is often referenced as the source of this popular saying is 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV), which states: “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.
But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” This verse assures believers that God will not allow them to encounter temptations or trials that are too difficult for them to handle.
He sets limits on what people can endure and provides them with the resources to “bear up under it.”
The Context and Meaning of 1 Corinthians 10:13
In the broader context of 1 Corinthians 10, Paul was warning believers in Corinth about the dangers of idolatry and arrogance. He used the example of the Israelites who grumbled against God and engaged in idol worship, only to be punished by God (1 Cor. 10:1-12).
So when Paul stated in verse 13 that God will not allow unbearable temptations, he was referring specifically to temptations to sin or rebel against God. His purpose was to encourage the Corinthians to resist idolatry and remain faithful during trials.
While God does limit people’s temptations, He does not necessarily limit their general life difficulties or hardships.
Many biblical figures like Job faced immense sufferings permitted by God for His glory and their spiritual growth. So 1 Corinthians 10:13 does not mean God will shield believers from all life’s troubles – only that He will enable them to endure these troubles without succumbing to sin if they rely on Him.
Related Passages in 2 Corinthians
2 Corinthians 1:3-5 on God Comforting Us
In 2 Corinthians 1:3-5, Paul speaks of God as the “Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles.” This passage reassures believers that God is always present to provide strength, encouragement, and reassurance in difficult times.
As it is written, “For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ” (v.5).
Paul reminds the Corinthians that even he and his fellow missionaries faced “hardships that crushed us” and “despaired of life itself” (v.8). Yet God delivered them and continues to deliver them. Similarly, God brings comfort to believers today in the midst of life’s trials.
This speaks to the common saying about God not giving us more than we can handle. With God’s comfort and strength, believers can bear even the heaviest of burdens.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 on Momentary Troubles
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 provides perspective on believers’ present sufferings. As Paul writes, “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
Here, Paul contrasts the present, visible world with the glory of eternity. Our troubles in this life are “light” and “momentary” in view of eternity with God. This passage encourages endurance and heavenly focus in the midst of earthly trials.
Suffering is unavoidable, but through faith believers have strength from the Holy Spirit to withstand life’s troubles of all kinds and magnitudes.
Relevant Old Testament Passages
Isaiah 43:1-3a on God Being With Us
In Isaiah 43:1-3a, the prophet Isaiah delivers a message of comfort and reassurance to the people of Israel, reminding them that even when they face difficult circumstances, God will be with them. Isaiah begins by saying, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.”
This affirms God’s close relationship with His people and His commitment to deliver them. Isaiah goes on to say that when the people of Israel pass through the waters and walk through the fire, the Lord will be with them so that they will not be overwhelmed or consumed.
Though they may face trials, God promises to bring them safely through. This passage powerfully conveys the message that God is always present with His people, protecting and sustaining them, no matter what hardships they encounter.
Psalm 55:22 on Casting Burdens Upon the Lord
Psalm 55:22 is a well-known verse that encourages believers to cast their burdens upon the Lord: “Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” This verse promises that when we bring our worries, anxieties and difficulties to God in prayer, He will sustain and uphold us.
Though we may feel weighed down by challenges in life, God invites us to release those burdens to Him and trust that He will provide the strength we need to endure. As one commentary notes, “The psalmist is not promoting spiritual irresponsibility – there is still work to be done.
But the believer must lay down the sack of concerns at the feet of the Almighty and leave them there” (biblical commentary). This speaks powerfully of God’s desire and ability to help His people bear difficult burdens when they rely on Him in faith.
Common Misconceptions and Clarifications
Misconception: God Will Never Give Us More Than We Can Handle
This common saying has become a sort of “Christian cliche.” The intention behind it is good – reminding people that God will help them get through difficult circumstances. However, it can be misunderstood to mean that God will never allow us to face anything too hard for us.
This is not actually promised in Scripture.
While God promises to be with us and help us in times of trouble, He does not say that He will keep us from facing anything difficult or overwhelming. In fact, the Bible clearly shows that believers can at times face circumstances that go far beyond their human ability to cope or comprehend (2 Corinthians 1:8).
Clarification: God Promises To Sustain Us, Not Remove All Hardship
Rather than the idea that God will limit our challenges to whatever we can handle, the Bible presents a different, deeper promise. God assures us that His grace will be sufficient to help us through absolutely anything we ever face (2 Corinthians 12:9).
He does not necessarily remove the overwhelming circumstance, but rather gives supernatural strength, peace, endurance, and wisdom for going through that hardship. The reality is that with God’s help no challenge is too much for us; without His help, even small trials can feel completely crushing.
We can be honest in acknowledging that we do in fact sometimes face more than we can bear on our own. Yet at the same time, we have the certain hope that God will always be there to provide the strength and grace needed to make it through those situations.
Practical Application for Christians Today
When facing trials and tribulations, Christians can find comfort and guidance in biblical principles about God’s providence and care. Here are some practical applications from Scripture:
Trust God’s Sovereignty and Timing
God promises to work all things for good for those who love Him (Romans 8:28). This includes both blessings and hardships. Christians can rest in God’s sovereignty, knowing He has a purpose for what He allows.
They can cling to God’s perfect timing, believing trials will last only as long as God decrees.
Rely on God’s Strength
God gives sufficient grace for every trial (2 Corinthians 12:9). When Christians rely on their own strength, they often become overwhelmed. But drawing on divine strength through prayer, Scripture meditation, and the Spirit’s help allows them to persevere.
Hope in God’s Deliverance
God does not leave His people indefinitely under heavy burdens. He promises to not let trials continue beyond what can be endured (1 Corinthians 10:13). Christians can hope in future relief, deliverance, or God’s eternal rest.
Glean Spiritual Benefits
Though painful, trials have spiritual benefits, like developing patience, humility, endurance, compassion, and dependence on God. Christians can seek to learn and grow through hardships, rather than merely survive them.
Imitate Biblical Examples
Scripture offers many examples of godly people enduring trials with perseverance and faith. Joseph, Job, David, Paul, and Jesus Himself modeled bringing struggles to God in prayer, clinging to hope, and patiently enduring.
By leaning on such biblical principles and God’s unfailing presence, Christians can navigate trials without being overwhelmed, confident of God’s purpose, timing, empowerment, and compassion through every difficulty.
Conclusion
In summary, while the exact wording ‘God will not put more on you than you can bear’ does not appear in Scripture, the Bible does repeatedly promise that God will empower and sustain believers through even the most difficult trials of life.
Passages like 1 Corinthians 10:13, 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 and Isaiah 43:1-3a reassure Christians that God will provide a way out of temptations, comfort us in affliction, and walk with us through deep waters and flames.
He equips us with spiritual strength to endure all things, even if He does not always remove the burden.
Rather than expecting God to never allow any hardship beyond our capability, Christians can trust that He will renew our inner being day by day (2 Cor. 4:16) to faithfully carry whatever cross He appoints for us.
By leaning on divine grace, we can bear fruit even in the middle of life’s painful prunings.
