Is that in the Bible?: Urban Legends
Have you ever heard somebody say, “Well God won’t give you more than you can handle” when things weren't going well? Although this phrase has been used again and again my well meaning individuals, it is found nowhere in the Bible. In fact, the statement isn’t even true. Not only will God give you more than you can handle, He’ll beat you down to the ground until you scream uncle and give it all to Him.
Even God’s children experience discipline. Actually Hebrews 12 explains that Christians are disciplined because we are His children. What father does not discipline His son or daughter? If the believer tries to take the reigns back in his/her life, be sure that hardship will follow. God wants all of our problems. Christ said that His burden is light. He'll carry our burdens for us, but if we insist on carrying the load He’ll let us do it until we are crushed under it’s weight.
Even those who remain faithful experience suffering in this world. One chapter earlier in Hebrews 11, it speaks of those, from the prophets to the apostles, who suffered and died for their faith. Even today, in many parts of the world, there are those that are being heavily persecuted and even taking on death as a result of their faith. Christ didn’t suffer so that we wouldn’t suffer in this world. He suffered so that we wouldn’t suffer in the next. It is through His suffering that we are to be encouraged in our present suffering.
So, if this urban legend is found nowhere in Scripture, where did it come from? Well, it is a distortion of 1 Corinthians 10:13.
There is huge difference between temptation and hardship. If fact, many are tempted in hardship. For example, the recovering cocaine addict can be tempted to give in to the drug of choice. In a struggling marriage, the temptation may be to cheat or to run out. A person with a low self esteem may be tempted in several fashions; lying, material interests, etc. What God has promised each and every one of us is that He will not let the temptations of the world, the flesh and the devil overtake us if we trust in Him. The moment we take our eyes off of the Lord is when we give in to our own fleshly desires. Christ, on the other hand, will always give us a way out. That is a promise and it is Scripture. It is something that you and I can encourage fellow believers with as well because we read it for ourselves in 1 Corinthians 10:13.
Even God’s children experience discipline. Actually Hebrews 12 explains that Christians are disciplined because we are His children. What father does not discipline His son or daughter? If the believer tries to take the reigns back in his/her life, be sure that hardship will follow. God wants all of our problems. Christ said that His burden is light. He'll carry our burdens for us, but if we insist on carrying the load He’ll let us do it until we are crushed under it’s weight.
Even those who remain faithful experience suffering in this world. One chapter earlier in Hebrews 11, it speaks of those, from the prophets to the apostles, who suffered and died for their faith. Even today, in many parts of the world, there are those that are being heavily persecuted and even taking on death as a result of their faith. Christ didn’t suffer so that we wouldn’t suffer in this world. He suffered so that we wouldn’t suffer in the next. It is through His suffering that we are to be encouraged in our present suffering.
So, if this urban legend is found nowhere in Scripture, where did it come from? Well, it is a distortion of 1 Corinthians 10:13.
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. (ESV)
There is huge difference between temptation and hardship. If fact, many are tempted in hardship. For example, the recovering cocaine addict can be tempted to give in to the drug of choice. In a struggling marriage, the temptation may be to cheat or to run out. A person with a low self esteem may be tempted in several fashions; lying, material interests, etc. What God has promised each and every one of us is that He will not let the temptations of the world, the flesh and the devil overtake us if we trust in Him. The moment we take our eyes off of the Lord is when we give in to our own fleshly desires. Christ, on the other hand, will always give us a way out. That is a promise and it is Scripture. It is something that you and I can encourage fellow believers with as well because we read it for ourselves in 1 Corinthians 10:13.
Scott A. Hescht
Psalm 22 Ministries
http://www.psalm22.net
Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life
- Proverbs
posted by Scott Hescht at 4:24 PM
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