A GREAT MOTTO FOR US TO CLAIM IS: WE ARE NOTHING - CHRIST IS ALL!
"No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it" 1 Corinthians 10:13
Is there any such thing as handling more than one major temptation after another that won't leave you alone? Do you feel overwhelmed? God has the answer - there is always a way of escape. "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man" (v.12). These words have assurance for two different groups. Those who feel that because they are Christians they will not have to face certain temptations are reminded that there are trials that are common to everyone. Don't ever feel within yourself you are so secure temptations won't come your way - that is false security. On the other hand, to people who are going through difficult times this verse is a source of assurance that they are not alone.
Sometimes we are all a bit paranoid about the suffering we go through, as we look around and get the feeling that everyone else is having it easy while we, alone, are having a hard time. This word is a reminder of the common lot we all share as human beings.
What a precious thought and promise that we can cling to that. God "will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able" (v.13). God knows us, our strengths and our weaknesses. This doesn't mean that we will never be overcome by the evil but that our failure will not be the result of having more than we can handle.
The great promise of this verse is that there is NOTHING any of us will face in life that will be so overwhelming but if we turn to God He will help. He will always make a way of escape.
HALT! Certain great mistakes are made concerning this matter of temptation in the practical working out of the life of faith. Don't get too comfortable thinking because you are secure in Christ that temptation will go away - it will always be at the "back door" waiting for your invitation to enter and will take that opportunity every time it is allowed. Isn't it wonderful to realize and remember that God is always faithful! He is your source of strength and way of escape every time.
We must remember that temptation is not sin, and yet much distress arises from not understanding this fact. The temptation is NOT the sin. The enemy softly sneaks in and whispers suggestions of evil to us - doubt, blasphemy, jealousy, envying, pride, lust - the trick of the devil is to keep us defeated. Once we are discouraged - we are captured and many times follow through with the temptation.
Don't ever allow yourself to get to the point where you feel temptation can't overtake you. We must never be the ones in control. Our way of escape will come from the Lord - not our own human understanding. We must also remember that sin is always pleasureable - it delights us. If we follow through on a temptation and become discouraged - we know, it has come from the devil.
Temptations will never go away! We must cling to the Lord and turn to His Word when under these pressures and look for the way of escape God willl ALWAYS provide. God knows how much we can endure. He will never overload us - "not allow us to be tempted more than what we are able to bear" but if we leave it with Him - we will escape and not follow through with the sin.
When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him. We must take every thought captive to the obedience of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).
Just remember, however much rain is pouring down on you today and tempting you to sin - God says I offer you a way of escape - always plan to take it!
