Thank you Sandy, that is a very common question that plagues the
minds of many believers—but they usually don’t ask if
it is true or not. I will first answer your question outright: No,
because it isn’t about what “we”
can handle. It is about what GOD’S grace can provide for us
in this life.
Now, I will explain, and hopefully answer your questions.
The statement, “GOD will only put on us what we can bear.”
reflects several misunderstandings that are perpetuated by the “ignorance”
of believers, and by the “bad theology” of some preachers.
The error falls into two main parts:
- GOD will put…
Here the issue presented is that difficult, hard, tragic, painful,
overwhelming, etc. things are “sent” by GOD to teach
us something, or to test our commitment / faithfulness to Him.
- What “we” can handle…
The issue here is on “our ability” to stand against “the difficulties…”
that GOD “puts” on us.
These errors are believed by many, and taught almost universally.
Many hold to this point of view, because it removes them from the
responsibility of living a victorious faith, and dealing with the
“trials that come against them (“GOD
put them on me…”). Yet it also rewards them for
their own ability to overcome (“…because
He knew I could handle it/grow from it/needed it”).
Still others live under the discouragement of these teachings—overwhelmed,
depressed, and even angry that GOD would do this to them for no
reason that they can understand. This is what reason and emotional
reaction produce. But, it is NOT what the Bible teaches.
My response will also be twofold:
- GOD “allows” us to encounter difficult things, because
we still live in a “fallen world” which is under the
curse brought about by the “fall of mankind.” He does
not “send” or “put” these on us.
- GOD has provided mankind with the “keys” by which
we can live victoriously in this “fallen world.” The
keys are His grace and our faith.
We must adopt a Biblical understanding of the issue of trials/
tests/ and hardships. Without this understanding, we will be influenced
by the “worldly passions” and thereby live under the
bondage of this age.
I cannot answer all the challenges of the “suffering theology,”
but instead, will present the New Testament teachings of scripture
that speak to this issue. I do not desire to become too technical,
but it is necessary that I begin by giving you some definitions
of Greek words that are used in reference to this subject. These
will be of great assistance in understanding the intricate thread
of scriptural truth. Sometimes, a casual reading of the Bible is
not sufficient to teach us the truth GOD desired for us to have.
These are His chosen words, not simply the words or opinions of
men.
Basic Definitions: Keys to Understanding
These definitions are not strictly dictionary definitions. I have
applied the NT usage of this word to its meaning. The Bible uses
certain words in specific ways that limits or expands the basic
meaning. (An overall study of the use of these words will show this
meaning)
| Peirazo: |
A trial of uncertain
outcome; to try the limits of a person or a thing; an attempt
to find the breaking point, the limitation of effectiveness,
or the place of failure (indicated by P in material below) |
| This is the word always used when believers are tried or tempted by the “world,”
by “circumstances,” or by our enemy, Satan. |
| Dokimazo: |
To test someone or something with
the expectation of their success; to prove the worth or value of a thing knowing it will pass the test;
to approve someone as acceptable (indicated by D in the material below) |
| This is the test never used when referring to
Satan, or the world. In reference to faith,
it is always the “approving” that GOD desires to
find in His people. |
| Thlipsis: |
Crushing pressure meant to destroy the
form or substance of a thing or a person; an overwhelming weight
of circumstances designed to cause failure |
| This is the pressure that is exerted
on the believer by the devil and the world. It is meant to bring
defeat, not to produce good or to increase value. This word is never used when referring to something sent from GOD (except
for the “Great Tribulation”). It is usually
found in conjunction with the idea of obtaining victory over
the pressure, through GOD’S help. |
| Hupomone: |
To abide under the weight with the expectation
of overcoming; the endurance that allows one to remain steadfast through a trial having certain
hope in being victorious |
| This is the key to our ability to
handle the pressures that come our way. Endurance (or as it is sometimes translated patience)
is the quality that allows the believer to see the promise of
GOD through to its fulfillment. Without it, either we will never
reach the place of approval, or we will flee from the pressures
the enemy uses to keep us from obtaining our hope. It may be
thought of as a “time of standing
in expectation.” |
| Pisteuo (pistis): |
To believe what someone has said without any other evidence
than the fact that it has been said; absolute faith—trust—reliance |
| Faith is the decision of a person to accept what
GOD has promised, knowing the willingness and the ability of
GOD to fulfill his promise (His Faithfulness). |
With these words in mind, let us examine some of the key scriptures
on this subject.
Count It All Joy…Knowing
JAMES 1:1–5:
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when
you encounter various trials (peirazo), 3 knowing
that the testing (dokimazo) of your faith (pistis) produces endurance (hupomone). 4 And
let endurance (hupomone) have its perfect result, so that you
may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
5 But
if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all
generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
This is one of the classic passages dealing with this issue. I
have annotated the verse to indicate the interplay of these words
we are discussing.
- Consider it all joy… knowing: The key to this passage is the word, “knowing.”
We cannot consider it “joy” when we are “tried
so as to break us” if we don’t know something that
supersedes this trial. God doesn’t expect us to just shrug-off
trials and pressures. He knows we face these, and has given us
something to bring us victory.
- Encounter various trials: The
word for “various / diverse” means multi-colored.
Satan is a master of deceit and cunning. He brings pressures against
us that are varied in intensity, source, and effect. Paul says
in Ephesians 6:11 that we are to, “put
on the full armor of God so that we may be ‘enabled’
to stand against all the ‘schemes / methods’ of the
devil.” Through God’s provision of “enabling
power” we are equipped to stand victoriously against any
assault Satan throws at us.
Let me here make something very clear. It is NOT God who sends
these “trials designed to break us.” It is Satan. Look
at James 1: 12–13:
12 Blessed
is a man who perseveres (hupomone) under trial (from peirazo); for once he has been approved (D), he will receive the crown of life which
the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted (P), "I
am being tempted (P) by GOD.” for GOD cannot be tempted (P) by evil, and He Himself does not tempt (P) anyone.
It is Satan who attempts to find and exploit our limits. His purpose
is to remove us from effectiveness in our Christian service and
testimony. It is God who equips us to resist.
- testing of your faith: Notice
that the “trials” (P) come against “us,”
but it is the “testing” (D) of “our faith”
that brings “endurance.” Though the distinction here
may not seem significant, it truly holds the “key”
to our ability to stand victoriously. This is the “thing”
we must know when we encounter these trials (P). It is “our
faith” that is approved to stand / resist—not us!
We must take ourselves out of the way. Satan wants us to face
him in our strength / wisdom / ability. God has given us something
else.
EPHESIANS 6:10, 13:
Finally, my brothers, be
strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
13 Above all, take the shield of
faith, with which you shall be
able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
Also, in James 1:3 it makes reference
to “your” faith. As long as we are depending on someone
else to “stand” for us, we will not be building the
promised endurance. Faith is a personal quality. It is “pre-approved”
to bring us through the trials we face—but we must employ
it.
- produces endurance: The word
for “produces / generates / works” in this verse means
“to work to the completion of a goal.” Endurance is
the word, hupomone. Although it
is sometimes translated as patience, it does not mean to idly
wait for something. The Biblical use consistently tends toward
a victorious standing against the weight of something until victory
is attained. It is like the athlete generating endurance by pushing
against the weights during training. It is not the presence of
the weights that produces the endurance, but it is in pushing
them off that endurance is built. Likewise, our faith. When we
use our “faith in God, His Word, His character” against
the trials designed to break us, we build endurance. It is a natural
outcome: we employ our faith—we build endurance.
- let endurance have its perfect result: There is a purpose to our “going through” (and, it is not to be broken): to gain an
approval of our faith which will increase our endurance, and bring
victory. And, we will not just get through it—we’ll
gain personal strength as we do—and we’ll also gain
eternal reward (more on this later)
- may be perfect and complete: We will never reach God’s ultimate place of maturity in
our life if we refuse to use our faith to triumph over the trials
sent by the world / Satan to break us. This is illustrated by
Israel’s being led through the “wilderness”
in order to obtain the “promised land.” It was not
God’s purpose that they would die there—that was a
result of their own reluctance to take on the fight of conquest.
God was “leading them through” and supplying all they
needed during that time. But, many refused to learn the lesson
of trusting God during difficult times (faith), and never reached
the goal.
- if any of you lacks wisdom … ask of God: This is not a change of subject, but a glorious
insight into God’s graciousness. When we face these trials,
we are often “caught off-guard.” We don’t know
what to do—how to respond. God doesn’t say to us,
“Well, I’m sorry, but you
really should have been prepared. Too bad!” Instead,
God stands ready to assist by giving us the wisdom to apply His
Word, His grace, our faith to the situation—and He gives
it liberally. Notice, He doesn’t take the problem away,
He shows us what He has given us so that we can deal with it.
Consider:
2 CORINTHIANS 12:9:
And He said to me, My
grace is sufficient for you, for
My power is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore I
will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may
overshadow me.
The word “sufficient” means an “overwhelming
provision.” He gives us what we need to deal with
the problem—not to avoid it. God’s grace is His power/ability/provision
given without merit. We receive His grace by our faith. Therefore,
God’s provision was available to Paul—he could receive
it and overcome the trial by using his faith.
We Exalt In Tribulations…Knowing
ROMANS 5:3–5:
And not only this, but we also exult in our
tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; 4 and perseverance—approval;
and approval—hope; 5 and
hope does not disappoint…
Not only do we exalt in all we have in God (yea, that’s really
good!)—but also for the pressures we will face—REALLY!??
That doesn’t sound like a reality, or even a possibility.
How can we place this in the context of Christian life? Again, it’s
in the “words” that are used by Paul.
- We exult in our tribulations (the peirazo): These are not things sent by God—they are things / trials/
pressures designed to keep us from obtaining our goal. How?
- knowing that tribulation “generates”
perseverance: Again, it is because we know something. This
“knowledge” is essential to our ability to respond
properly. Believers who “don’t know this” cannot
deal with these issues as God desires. God’s Word was given
to be the “standard” of our life. He gave us the Holy
Spirit to lead us, teach us, and encourage us (John
14–16). These trials (P)
generate / produce / work toward the goal of endurance (hupomone).
This is exactly as the verse in James said. God does not intend
for the pressure to “destroy” us, but if we accept
it and respond to it in the proper manner, we will grow through
our “resistance” of it.
- and perseverance—[generates]
approval: Paul does not repeat the verb in these next phrases,
but following a popular Greek construction leads the reader to
his conclusion (like a mathematical formula). The approval here
is a form of the word, dokimazo, which
in this case would be seen as merit / character / or testimony.
By “staying under the pressure so as to overcome”
we gain “testimony / merit.” These testimonies give
us confidence, encouragement, and boldness. This is a declaration
of God’s work in and through us—it gives glory to
Him. That’s why we can “boast in tribulations.”
- and approval—[generates] hope: Hope for what? Hope to face even greater pressures—a bold
confidence to take on “life.” Like an athlete who
has set a record or overcome some seemingly impossible obstacle,
we have HOPE. The expectation of being able to overcome trials
is a key to victorious living. But, it only came from the testimony
of realized victories. David faced the giant, Goliath, because
he had the testimony of seeing God’s strength realized when
he faced a lion, and a bear. Those “pressures” were
faced in faith—and he won! What then was a giant to the
God he trusted? Likewise, Israel should have been able to confidently
face the trials of the conquest of the land, but they had not
even gotten the issue of trusting God for water, for manna, and
for His daily provision right yet. They had no testimony—no
confidence.
- hope does not disappoint(make ashamed): This kind of “confident hope” does not allow us to
be ashamed. The word “ashamed” means to turn the face
/ to see no hope or good in a thing. When we have used our faith
to stand against a trial, we don’t have to run in fear /
avoid pressure / look for an escape. We can stand in confidence—we
will overcome. Even if we don’t know when, or how, we know we will overcome.
God is Faithful, Who Will Not Allow…
1CORINTHIANS 10:13:
No temptation has overtaken you but such
as is common to man; and GOD is faithful, who will not allow you
to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation
will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to
endure it.
- No temptation (P)… but such as
is common: Your problem is not unique, one that is unlike
any other before. God has strengthened others in your situation,
and He will give you what you need, also.
- God is faithful … will not allow: Here’s the key: if we are encountering the trial,
then GOD has already determined we have the “ability”
to get through it (not that we will do so, but we are “able”)
The construction of this word “will
not allow” means He won’t even let us get to
the place of this problem except that He has provided what we
need beforehand.
- to be tempted (P) beyond what you are
able: God has given us His Word, His Spirit, and the gift
of faith. If we will use these “tools” we will “be
able / have sufficient power” to get beyond this trial.
- with the temptation (P) … provide
the way of escape: This is not a way to “avoid”
the problem. That does not fit the context of this passage. 1
Corinthians 10 is all about God’s people looking at the
testimony of Israel in the wilderness, and learning from their
victories (few) and failures (many). One of the greatest examples
in the Bible is a place called “Mara” regarding the
provision of water.
Exodus 15:22–25: This account shows us that even though
Israel was following God, they encountered a great problem. They
needed water but the water was “bitter.” But, the
“bitter water” was no surprise to God. He knew it
was there—and He had made provision. “Beside the water”
was a tree. God knew, and placed the answer at the place they
needed it. If they had not come to the bitter water, they would
not have seen the tree. The answer to the strength we need in
a trial is at the place of occurrence. The “Fourth Man”
was in the furnace. The “angel” was in the lions’
den.
- so that you will be able to endure
it (hupomone): We do not gain victory by avoiding these
problems, but by triumphantly standing until victorious!!
Are we looking for problems? NO! But, we are to have confidence
in God’s faithfulness—in His grace—in the power
of His might. As we encounter trials designed to break us, we trust
in His Word, and we see the victory.
There are, of course, many other verses related to this subject,
but I trust these have helped you. We are “overcomers,”
not because of our ability, but through Him.
Geof W. Jackson, read
bio
Director of the Grace School of Ministry/Director
of Pastoral Care
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