13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. 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 stand up under it.
One common misunderstanding of this verse comes from the phrase “a way out.” We love to stop there and say, “God is going to provide a way out of this situation.” But the verse does not end there. The “way out” is the ability to stand up under the weight of the temptation. The “way out” is not the secret side door that allows an immediate release from the struggle of the temptation. Instead, the way out is the ability to stand against the temptation and come out triumphant. Instead of being crushed by the temptation and failing, you are able to stand and endure. You remain faithful in the middle of the temptation. The “way out” is not the magic pill that takes the temptation away, transporting us to a place and time without temptation. The way out is the guts to not give in to the temptation, but choosing to be obedient when previously we have chosen sin. Another part of this verse that often gets misquoted is the “beyond what you can bear.” This is often quoted to people who are under great emotional strain, often with the death of a loved one or a serious illness or tragedy. “God won’t give you more than you can handle.” But this verse is about temptation not enduring the intense struggles of life. When you are in a situation where temptation is weighing heavily upon you, God has provided that “way out”, the ability to stand strong in Him. It is God’s ability that guarantees that the temptation is not beyond what you can bear. He is right there with you. His strength is at your side every step of the way. When you chose to not yield to temptation, He is the one that provides the strength. That is because He is faithful. He loves us. He does not want us to fail. Instead, He wants us to succeed in Him. The temptation is not more than you can bear because God’s strength will be there with you. So next time temptation comes your way, find your strength to not sin by drawing in close to the Lord. If you are drawing close to Him, sin will be a very unattractive alternative. Temptation’s power will be nothing compared to the power of God.
The Arnold Journey 