Week 14
1 Corinthians 10:13 “No temptation has overtaken you, but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.”
Suddenly and unexpectedly come trials, hardships, betrayals, and temptations to sin. We go along in life and feel like everything is fine, the BANG the brutal punch in the heart comes, and we are crippled with sorrow, and we are crushed with pain.
The word translated “temptation” in this text in the Greek is sometimes used in the New Testament for trial, difficulty, and trouble. Both temptations to sin and painful trials come upon us, they pounce on top of us with force threatening to undo our peace, our joy, our security, and our hope. How hard this is! How disconcerting this is to the heart of the believer!
But we note in this passage several important and helpful truths that speak to the hurting heart when these things come.
First, we see that this is a “common” human experience in a sinful and fallen world. How does knowing this help? Well, it helps us to realize that we are not the only ones to have experienced this; others have successfully endured the same. Knowing that the path we trod is a well-worn path, and others have come out on the other side, gives a measure of hope and encouragement.
Second, the greater encouragement is to remember the faithfulness of God expressed powerfully, lovingly, and wisely to His people during such times. Note how the Bible unveils the faithfulness of God to one who is enduring temptation and trial. God sets the limits of this pain and struggle. We worry if this terrible time will continue on and on; we fear that our lives will never again be the same, that we will live forever with this awful pain that we endure. But the Bible teaches us that God sets limits to such things. They will not go on and on; there will come a day when the pain, and the cause of that pain will pass. And while God sets limits to this struggle, He also increases our strength by His grace. In fact, by God’s grace we will endure and conquer better than we ever thought we could. How marvelous is this miracle of divine grace! Furthermore, God gives in the midst of the battle a way of escape, so that we can endure it. The way of escape provides a means of faithful continuance. God wants us to go through the tunnel of painful fire, but He gives a way of doing that. As we lean on Him, we find Him to be sufficient for the day. Even though we feel we cannot make it, we will make it, because He assures us of our perseverance and steadfastness by His sovereign and all-sufficient grace.
Dear Christian friend, do not give up! Precious brother and sister in Christ, do not give in to the despair of your circumstances. Grab hold of this promise and find your strength to keep going another day; God is with you and will be enough for you.
Prayer: Dear Lord, sometimes I feel like I can’t go on. It feels like this pain and sorrow will swallow me. Please grant these mercies of which the Scripture speaks that I might continue in faithful living and service. And glorify Your name in my life. Amen.