I was asked the question, does the Lord give us trials that we cannot handle?

Shortly after the question had been put forth, George Floy was murdered; a new, riotous, political, protest group was formed and began to rampage across the nation; and not just protests, but rioting, and looting broke out. I don't care who you are, if you are human you have been taunted by the demons to hate, rage, and fear. We, have to get a handle on our own emotions.

Now, the person asking, was probing, because he already had an answer, and it was a correct one, but what I believe he wanted, was my take on the subject. In truth, this type of question has been around for a long time, and in almost every circumstance the question has been improperly represented.

Look at the NASB, which I have provided.

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. (1 Corinthians 10:13 NASB)

An alternate version.

You have been put to no test but such as is common to man: and God is true, who will not let any test come on you which you are not able to undergo; but he will make with the test a way out of it, so that you may be able to go through it. (1 Corinthians 10:13 BBE)

As we see in 1 Cor 10:13, where it says, “No temptation” has overtaken you. I want to look at that word for a moment.

Temptation, as used here, is the Greek word peirasmos and also means "a putting to proof," solicitation, discipline, or provocation; by implication adversity.

In tearing apart the word temptation, with the twisted concept that God tests us, I get the idea that God is attempting to prove that we are worthy; the problem with that is that the theory stands in opposition to the work of the cross; it's either that, or I am to perceive that God is bringing adversity into my life, but then for what reason? Again, both of these trains of thought run in opposition to the cross.

But, we have a problem as we try to mount an apologetic against God testing us, and you encounter it as you continue in the verse, where it says, “God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted.” I fully understand there is a context here, but I am trying to make a point, as this again implies God's involvement in the testing. In this usage of the word tempted, the Greek word is peirazō and it carries with it the connotations that we are most familiar with, such as: to test (objectively), scrutinize, entice, discipline, assay, examine, prove, and tempt.

If I accept the NASB translation literally, I cannot read the statement, “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man,” and make a sensible determination as to where this testing is coming from. Neither can I say, with any resoluteness as to where the test is coming from if I use the BBE version.

Now I will be frank, there are many who would say, if you look at the NASB it says, “but with the temptation will provide the way of escape.,” Sadly, most end the sentence there. The BBE translation also gives a kindred thought, as it says, “but he will make with the test a way out of it.” Here too, the sentence continues, but we rarely pursue the verse to the end, because we want it to stop; we don't want to have to go through it.

So, does the implication that God may have His hand in the test or temptation exist?

Absolutely, for NOTHING happens on this earth without God's ordination.

What do I have to prove that?

Job, for in Job we see Satan pointing out Job to God, and making statements to indicate that God has the man protected. God is not a man that He should lie, and therefore told Satan that the barriers, which had previously protected Job, were broken down; and, that the man was in his hand. With all that, God tells Satan, “but don't take his life.” If you read the story in Job you will see Satan trying to get God to set His hand against the man, but that doesn't happen.

Then Satan answered the LORD, "Does Job fear God for nothing? "Have You not made a hedge about him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. "But put forth Your hand now and touch all that he has; he will surely curse You to Your face." Then the LORD said to Satan, "Behold, all that he has is in your power, only do not put forth your hand on him." So Satan departed from the presence of the LORD. (Job 1:9-12 NASB)

So God limited the actions Satan could take against the man.

I have heard great negativity about Job, and those same speakers have God putting the tests on Job when the direction that the tests come from are clearly laid out as being from Satan. Few have been able to give a satisfactory explanation as to why God had this unusual conversation, and why He had to relinquish Job over to Satan.

Here is a powerful reason as to why Job's barriers had come down. God expects us to walk in faith, and there is little in the scenario below that demonstrates faith.

(Job 1:4-5 NASB) His sons used to go and hold a feast in the house of each one on his day, and they would send and invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them. When the days of feasting had completed their cycle, Job would send and consecrate them, rising up early in the morning and offering burnt offerings according to the number of them all; for Job said, "Perhaps my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts." Thus Job did continually.

Now, before we move on, there is this in response to “does God have His hand in the testing?”

Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. (James 1:13-14 NASB)

Here in James, there is that word peirazō once again. The word is still being translated as tempted, but can also mean discipline, scrutinize, or entice. And yet, it is, without question, exclusive from God.

Can I perceive that Satan would do that very thing?

Absolutely, and James tells us that when he says, “each one is tempted (scrutinized, enticed, disciplined, assayed, examined, and proved. So, based on this, you can see that Satan's goal and purpose in life, is to punish us when we do not comply with the ways of his kingdom.