1 Corinthians 10:13 – Way Out

“The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)

This is one of those verses that is often misrepresented to include more than just temptations. Has anyone ever said to you, “God will never give you more than you can handle,” when it comes to trials or tragedy? As a pastor’s wife, I heard people misquoting this verse often. While we have a loving God who hates our adversity as much as we do, our comfort comes from knowing we’re never alone.

Context (1 Corinthians 10:1-13): This verse is speaking of the temptations we face in life because evil is running rampant. Paul is teaching the Corinthians in this section about idolatry and the dangers of craving evil. He wants us to learn from the mistakes of the Israelites, who were easily distracted by pagan rituals, building idols, and grumbling about God. The promise is that God always gives us a way out, a way to endure. It’s up to us to be looking for it.

This verse cautions us to remember that temptations will come. We shouldn’t feel like we’re being singled out and dumped on, because other people are also struggling. Several of the churches where my husband served as pastor hosted “Celebrate Recovery.” This program welcomed people from all walks of life, struggling with different hurts, habits, and hang-ups, not just addictions. I always saw that program as one of the ways God used to show us his faithfulness.

This verse boldly states that God is faithful. If you take nothing else from this reflection, cling to that promise every day of your life. What does that mean to you? For me, it means I can always trust God. What he says is true, and how he acts is perfectly in alignment with his will. God loves us and never wants us to stumble and fall. Because he knows we are wayward children, his trustworthiness covers us and provides solutions when we are tempted. What a blessing to have such a faithful God!

Can you think of a time in your life when you were tested or tempted? Maybe it was to shoplift a candy bar with your friends as a child. Maybe it was to drink before it was legal. Maybe it was flirting with a married woman at work. Maybe it was your faith being tested because of some hurt or disillusionment with the church. What is it for you? Chances are, there is a list of examples.

This verse assures us that in those moments God is standing by, ready to show us a way to be strong, a way to overcome. God wants for us to succeed. He wants to shower us with his abundant love. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the LORD. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’” God wants good things for his children. Psalm 37:4 tells us what we need to do. “Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires.” Take delight in the LORD today.

Let’s pray. Lord, thank you for always having my back and providing a way to overcome the temptations of life. I delight in your grace and mercy that cover me and help me in those times of weakness.  Help me do better at making decisions, keeping you in the center of my life. Use me to help others realize your faithfulness. May I always follow your lead. In Jesus’ name. Amen.