1 Corinthians 10:13 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.
Paul didn’t want the Corinthians to follow the bad example and fall, as Israel had in the wilderness, giving in to temptation and disobeying God. Even though God was in their midst, guiding them with cloud by day and fire by night. Providing spiritual food and drink from the spiritual rock, Christ, they still disobeyed God. Because of their disobedience, that generation died in the desert and never entered the Promised Land.
Temptations come into every believer’s life – no one is exempt.
Temptation is not sinful; the sin comes when the person gives in to temptation.
God’s faithfulness and grace will limit the severity of every test and prevent us from being tested beyond our ability to overcome. Unlimited grace is available for every believer who faces hardship, temptations, and seasons of difficulty.
Ps 46:1
“God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.”
God promises us that, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,Nor shall the flame scorch you.”
He is our Way Maker, Miracle Worker, Promise Keeper, Light in the darkness!
We can trust in God’s faithfulness that empowers us to overcome every difficulty we may experience. We are not told that every difficulty will be removed from our lives, but that God promises to be with us, so that we may be empowered to endure it. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.
Temptation: A state of trial in which God brings His people through adversity and affliction in order to encourage and prove our faith and confidence in Him.
James 1:12
Enduring temptation brings great rewards
“Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”
He will not always remove the temptation, because facing it and remaining strong can be a growing experience; however, God shows promise to keep temptation from becoming so strong that we can’t stand up against it. There’s no temptation that we cannot resist.
James 4:7
“So submit to [the authority of] God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him] and he will flee from you.”
Several years ago, we faced financial difficulties. We were about to lose everything except the clothes on our backs. We were advised not to tithe and file for bankruptcy. It was very tempting not to tithe and file for bankruptcy. Which meant we wouldn’t be homeless. But we decided to trust God. God is faithful! God will never fail us. We prayed and sought God’s wisdom and help. He gave us a strategy how to get out of this mess without filing for bankruptcy. We obeyed His instruction and guidance. It didn’t happen overnight. We had to discipline ourselves. We tithed and gave offerings faithfully. We are debt free! During that time God gave me this promise and I stood on it.
Ps 121
“I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The Lord watches over you— the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
7 The Lord will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life;
8 the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”
As time draw near to the end of the age, temptation will increase. The enemy is working overtime time to tempt us and deceive us. We must be disciplined in prayer, know the Word of God, and be intimate with the Lord to overcome.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for Your faithfulness, goodness and mercy. Thank You for knowing my struggles and for promising that I am never alone in them.
When I feel weak, overwhelmed, or pulled toward choices that dishonor You, remind me that You always provide a way to overcome. Open my eyes to see that way clearly. Give me courage to take it, even when it is difficult. Strengthen my heart to endure, knowing that Your grace is sufficient for me and Your strength is made perfect in weakness. Lord, help me trust Your faithfulness more than I fear temptation. Build in me self-control, wisdom, and perseverance. Let every trial shape my character and draw me closer to You.
Thank You for being my refuge, my strength, and my deliverer.
In Jesus’ name,
Pastor Yong Brierly
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