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I Corinthians 10: 13 No temptation has seized
you except what is common to man. 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 stand up under it. (NIV)
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Impulses to sin are universal, even if they are different impulses for different people.* |
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I am not consistently tempted by the same things all the
time. My weaknesses are not exactly like yours. But we are all tempted by
something sometime. God hasn’t promised that we will not face temptations.
We tend to concentrate on the part of this verse that says
that God will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear. It makes us
think of ourselves as strong and well-equipped to resist sin’s enticements. We
overlook the promise that God will provide
a way out. So, instead of looking for that escape hatch, we try to face down
our devils. When we fail, we make excuses and look for someone to blame.
The strength God promises is ours – for the taking. Look for
the way of escape – which, as someone has observed, is not necessarily an easy
way.* Passive resistance is not enough. It must be coupled with
action – seeking and escaping. We might
even consider the prudence of actively avoiding tempting situations. There is
no shame in asking God to direct your path.
Temptation is inevitable – Satan has not given up - but Paul
wants us to understand that no sin is unique or irresistible. Look for that way
out so that you can avail yourself of that strength that God provides.
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When tempted, look. Look for the way out. Taking the way out leads to victorious living.* |
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