You know what’s really funny is how often we take 1 Corinthians 10:13 out of context. Here’s what we think it says vs what it says:

Our version:

13 No task has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be given more things/tasks/events/friendships/work beyond what you can bear.

The Real Version:

13 "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. 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 endure it."

Do you see the difference? It seems today that many people use this verse when they say that they feel burned out or juggling too many things and then say “God won’t give me more than I can bear, I can do this.” Except, this isn’t on God. This is on us. If anyone can speak from experience it’s me. I used to say YES to EVERYTHING that came my way. My line of work for so long was contract work doing photography and videography. Along with being in college, having a part time job at a coffee shop, doing mission work, and trying to live college to the full, I took on everything I could possibly say yes to. I got to a point in my life where I felt overwhelmed with the amount of this going on in my life and thought to myself, God wouldn’t allow me to take on more than I could bear, I’m fine. And eventually it landed me with burnout and confusion. 

Then I realized I was getting it wrong. This was God seemingly testing my limits and capabilities with schedules and organized work ethic. This was me saying “Yes” to too many things in life. I was spreading myself so thin that even my relationship with God wasn’t top priority anymore. And the second you don’t seek rejuvenation from the One who gives life to all, you start to run on only caffeine and optimism. Fun fact: it doesn’t last long. 

Can you relate to me? Do you say yes to too many things and you are starting to feel the weight we have inadvertently (yet really not) put on ourselves without realizing it? I know, it’s exciting, we don’t want to miss out life, I’m with you 3000%. But without finding balance and learning when to say no, you’re always going to be nose above the water and you’ll never be able to soak in the beautiful pool of life we are in. Instead of trying to survive, we should be aiming to thrive.

Take Away: 

Go write out your top 3 priorities in life. It should of course start with our relationship with God but after that what are 2 things you are setting goals for in life right now? Is it finishing school? Finding a spouse? Looking for a job? Building up your work? Fitness goals? Travelling? What are they for you? 

From there, reflect on the daily opportunities you are being presented and reflect on whether they fall in line with your goals. It doesn’t always have to, but it might help to keep your head on tight to realize the insurmountable amount of things you say yes to aren’t getting you to where you want to go in life. 

Learn to balance. Learn to say no. It’s fine. Who cares if it hurts someone’s feelings? If you can’t be your full energizing self with them anyways because you’re in burn out, you aren’t doing them a favor anyways. Stand up for what’s best for you. Take breaks. Set time aside. This doesn’t mean be lazy, it means fill your time with the things that energize you, excite you, and keep you moving forward in life. Without that filter, you’ll just keep running that hamster wheel, and the thing you want most, will be right on the other side of it. 

Peace and Blessings