Time of temptation
1 Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
Temptation is a universal experience. From the moment we wake up until the time we lay our heads down to rest, the world presents us with countless opportunities to fall, even as much as we have identified with God, the devil strive daily through temptations to stray us from God's path, and to surrender to sin. But God, in His infinite wisdom and mercy, equips us to stand firm during these moments of trial.
In 1 Corinthians 10:13, Paul offers a word of hope for those struggling in the time of temptation. This verse doesn’t just inform us about the nature of temptation; it gives us the assurance that we are not alone and that God is at work even in our weakest moments.
Apostle Paul tells us in the passage above that "no temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind." We sometimes feel isolated in our struggles, believing that no one else can understand the temptations we face. The enemy of our souls would love to convince us that we are alone in our battle, that our sins are unique and beyond help.
But we are reassured that temptation is not unique to an individual. The same human frailties, desires, and vulnerabilities have plagued humanity since the beginning of time. Adam and Eve in the Garden were tempted to disobey God, and Jesus Himself was tempted in the wilderness. If even our Lord faced temptation, then it is no surprise that we, too, will be tempted.
But the good news here is that you are not the first to walk this road. Many have walked before you, and many will walk after you. But what separates those who fall from those who overcome is their trust in God during the time of temptation.
In the midst of temptation, it can be easy to lose sight of this truth. The temptations themselves may feel overwhelming, but Paul reminds us that God's faithfulness is greater than any temptation we face.
We serve a God who does not abandon His children. He does not leave us helpless when we face trials, nor does He allow us to be swallowed up by our struggles. Even when temptation seems unbearable, God's faithfulness sustains us. He watches over us with loving care and ensures that we are not tested beyond what we can bear.
God will always make a path for you to escape the web of temptation. It might not be easy to see in the moment, and it might require you to rely on God more deeply than you ever have before. But rest assured, God has already prepared a way of escape for you.
For some, the way out may be as simple as prayer—an immediate turning to God in the heat of the moment. For others, it may require accountability, perhaps reaching out to a trusted friend or mentor who can help guide you away from the sin that tempts you.
Sometimes the way out involves removing yourself from a situation, distancing yourself from people or environments that lead you into temptation. God provides different ways of escape for different situations, but the truth remains: there is always a way.
In conclusion, let us know for sure that temptations will come irrespective of how close your relationship is to God. But the promises of God are also sure. Temptation may be common, but so is God's faithfulness. Temptation may feel overwhelming, but God's strength is greater. Temptation may seem like it has no way out, but God always provides a path of escape. Always trust God in any circumstances.
God bless you.
Prayer key:
1. Lord, thank you for the blessing of your word today in Jesus Christ name.
2. Lord, save me from this persistent temptation in my life so I do not fall into sin in Jesus Christ name.
3. Lord, provide a way of escape for as many who have been overwhelmed by one temptation or the other in Jesus Christ name.
4. Thank you Lord for answered prayers in Jesus Christ name. Amen.