1 Corinthians 10:11-13
“Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”
Devotion
Here Paul is addressing the Corinthians, and he gives them a very sobering reminder as well as encouragement. In verse 13 he begins with how the temptation we may be experiencing is not new to humanity. Temptation can be a number of things— stressing over basic provisions, sexual sins, basically anything that can lead us to sin or not trusting in God is a temptation. That means that while not every person may experience the exact same thing, there are people who have experienced something similar.
Paul encourages us in the next part by reminding us that God will not tempt us beyond our ability. Now Paul by no means is telling us that every temptation we experience is going to be a walk in the park. A lot of times it will be very challenging, even could be like trying to make it to the top of Mount Everest. But, he encourages us in that it is possible to have success in standing up against whatever we may have as a temptation. He continues to tell us that God will provide a way for us to endure the circumstances. While this does not mean that we will necessarily have a change of circumstances, it is saying that there is a different path we can choose to avoid whatever that temptation may lead to.
That can involve consistent prayer for strength and wisdom to identify that path, and to follow it. It can look like an accountability group or partner (whether a small group, close friend, spouse). It can be a number of things— but the most important part of this is to ensure you never stop seeking out the Lord. Temptation (regardless of what it is) directly tempts us to question our trust in God. It is vital to ensure we begin looking and choosing the alternative path that allows us to not fall to temptation.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for everything you are doing in our lives. Please help us to continue to seek you out every day in prayer. Please provide the wisdom to identify a temptation we are experiencing, and help us figure out a way to stand up to that. Help us to continue fighting the temptations we may be experiencing because of your steadfast love. Please help us to find means for accountability if necessary. In your name I pray, Amen.
Author: Justin Artymenko
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