1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT Context
First Corinthians is a letter the apostle Paul wrote to Christians in Corinth, a major port city in Greece.
He wrote the letter to answer several questions posed by members of the Corinthian church.
He also addressed the rampant immorality of the city, which had influenced the Corinthian church as well. The Corinthian Christians faced many temptations.
1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT Meaning
In an attempt to comfort someone who’s suffering, well-meaning Christians will often say that God does not give us more than we can handle.
Meaning God will give us problems and temptations, but he wouldn’t give them to us if he knew that we weren’t strong enough to handle them.
But this is a misreading of the passage. James 1:13 says that God does not tempt anyone.
Take a close look and you’ll see what 1 Corinthians 10:13 says: Many others experience the same kinds of temptations and struggles.
But God will give us the strength we specifically need to face any trial or temptation that comes our way.
He will be faithful no matter what we’re going through, and he will see us through to the other side.
Notice also that Paul doesn’t say that temptation is wrong. Temptation itself is not a sin. We know this because even Jesus was tempted by Satan (Matthew 4:1).
1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT Application
Isn’t it comforting to know that other people experience the same kinds of temptations and struggles you’re experiencing? God hasn’t singled you out to make you suffer simply because he thinks you’re strong enough to handle it.
When you’re tempted or when you’re suffering, don’t blame God. He is not tempting you, testing you, or sending trouble your way.
Turn to him and ask for help. He’ll be faithful to you, walk alongside you, and show you the way out.
“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”