1 Corinthians 10:13

New International Version (NIV)

 

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. 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 endure it.

For meditation

You’re standing alone in the empty office. Your eyes can’t miss the package among the pile of papers strewn all over the floor. The moving truck left five hours ago. Through one open edge, it reveals a stack of the green-colored papers with a balding Benjamin Franklin staring at you with a grin. Your mind races to your child’s school fees you could pay and the gift you could finally give your wife. Nobody knows you’re here. But, you know your friend!

Many tantalizing situations confront us in life. Each cries out for a decision, and sometimes, very quickly.

1. What do you do?
2. Will anybody ever know?
3. Could it be God’s answer to your prayer?
4. What will be the basis for your decision?
5. Will your conscience leave you in peace long after your response?

Various palatable scenarios play in our mind at such times. However, the only deciding factor for the child of God must be the holiness of God. The voice on the other side always makes a strong case: “It’s OK. God understands.” “Just this once, you know. There won’t be another time.” “Does God even care about your dilemma and what you decide to do?” Yet, we have the singular obligation to honor Christ our Lord.

Many giants of faith have fallen on such slippery slopes. Their examples have become our compass to direct us away “from setting our hearts on evil things as they did” (1 Cor. 10:6). Noah has become our example against the bottle (Gen. 9:20-25). Abraham in Egypt against presumption and fear (12:10-13); Achan against covetousness (Jos. 7:20-22); David against truancy, idleness, and lust (2 Sam. 11:1-5); and Peter against self-confidence apart from Christ (Lk. 22:33). Your temptation today is no different from theirs or anybody else’s for that matter. The way we deal with it is always the critical issue.

It is welcoming to know that we serve a faithful God who loves us and will never leave us when tempted. His word assures us that He opens an escape hatch for us when the thermometer hits ceiling level (1 Cor. 10:13). The onus is always on us: Do we want to take it or not?

I pray you will always remember that you have a choice in every temptation. God never allows us into a tempting situation that leaves us no option, but to capitulate. He always provides the strength to endure and wisdom to make the right decision. Our choice, each time, is between Joseph (Gen. 39:9) and David (2 Sam. 11:4).

So: May the holiness of God restrain your fleshly desires at all times; and may His grace uphold you in prayer before and when you stand in temptation.

In Christ Jesus, it is possible to endure temptation and be victorious.

Shalom