The Way Out
11Now 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. 12Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 13No 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. 14Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. —1 Corinthians 10:11-14
Look at verse 13 again. Do you realize what“God is faithful”means? We all know we will face temptations. We face them every day. But do we truly realize God is faithful? Even more, do we live like we believe He is?
God’s faithfulness means many things. It means we don’t have to worry; God will not leave us hanging. It means we don’t have to think God will forget us and our situation. His faithfulness means we are not left to figure out all the problems we face alone. We can be confident that we can live as He says because God Himself says He is faithful to ensure it. Isn’t that comforting? What I am incapable of doing, God will handle on my behalf.
When God says in verse 13 that He won’t let us be tempted beyond our ability, that is an assurance of protection. And God has the knowledge and the power to back that promise up! In fact, He knows you and me so well, He knows what the very edge of our limits and abilities are, in every moment and every situation.
How does He protect us? Well, think about how we are in our weaker moments. God knows exactly what those weaker moments will be. Sometimes He will protect us by placing His Word before our eyes without our thinking about it so we will know how to respond to the temptation. Sometimes He will completely eliminate the temptation by either making it go away or minimizing its appeal or redirecting our paths. It’s remarkable to think we don’t even know how many temptations we have not had to deal with because God has quietly removed them.
But sometimes He makes us face temptations head on. That’s when the provision of the “way of escape” so that we may endure it is so meaningful. Even more than this, sometimes He knows we can’t endure anymore so He won’t let us be tempted to the point of failure. Isn’t that great? He’s right there next to us, sees how much we can take, and then finally says, “This much and no more!”
All of this means we can live in peace during our temptations and struggles, knowing that God our heavenly Father is right there with us. He is faithful! —Rob Willey
Journal:
· Do I recognize the personal nature of God’s promises to protect me?
· How does that knowledge strengthen my ability to trust God during times of temptations and struggles?
Prayer – Father in heaven, I can’t help but think of the old hymn, “Great is Thy Faithfulness,” as I think about all You have brought me through. It is true that I have faced many trials and temptations. And as I look back, I see how You protected and strengthened me every time. Thank You for Your personal care for me! Help me to remember these things as new trials and temptations present themselves in the future. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
