Tempted Beyond

So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!  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. ~ 1 Corinthians 10:12-13

God allows temptation, did you know this?  If he allowed Satan to tempt Jesus, don’t you think He allows Satan to tempt us?  Then there’s Job.  God practically handed him over to Satan to test; so why would we be any different?  Satan prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8).   He is just waiting for us to slip up.  The Lord, however, is faithful and promises that he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear and He will provide a way out.  There have been times I have thought, “Lord, you sure think way too much of me because you are jumping on my last nerve with this.  It’s too hard!”  And then He gently reminds me that he doesn’t expect me to do this alone, but to lean in on Him.  Press in!   You see, most of us think this verse means God won’t give me more than I can handle, but the verse actually means God won’t give you more than you can handle with Him by your side.  Oh yeah, sure, we can try to fight it alone, but that is a very dangerous, slippery slope my friend.  If you think you are going to fight this on your own, where is your way out coming from?  Yourself?  Good luck with that.  Paul promises us that after we have invited the Holy Spirit to help us fight the temptation, that there will be a way of escape presented to us; which means it could be “no thank you”, or it may be you actually walking away from, or even literally escaping a situation.  God wants to help his children get away from the trap of temptation and will always help them who call on his name with a desire to do right in their moments of distress.  Call on Him.  Don’t fight the battle alone!  God will respond and assist! ~ Amen