1 Corinthians 10:13

New King James Version

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

For Encouragement

She talked about the off-track life her friend was living.

I’m just having a good time, her friend said. What’s wrong with it?

She wished her friend’s lifestyle were video recorded and played back to her, hoping it would jolt her to reality.

Her friend could not see what others noticed so quickly. Her intentional choices had led her downhill to self-destruction. However, she insisted she was having the best time of her life. It made her feel good. Does it ring a bell?

That is what sin does to the unguarded saint. It deludes the mind and makes you feel good about yourself, what you are indulging in, and where you think your sinful lifestyle is taking you. It is always too late before you realize the deception. Reputation gets ruined. Opportunities slip away. Those you thought loved you quietly leave you. The worst thing is losing the eternal things that were dear to you before.

The focal scripture for today recounts the fleshly indulgences and idolatrous practices of the Israelites as they wandered in the wilderness on their way to the Promised Land. As the years dragged along, they became restless, hopeless, and nostalgic; they took their eyes off the Lord. Their frustrations led to rebellion, disobedience, and indulgence in revelry and sinful living. Paul cites, as an example, Israel’s indulgence with the women and gods of Moab (Nu. 25:1-3).

He says the record of this dark history of Israel stands as an example and warning to Christians today (1 Cor. 10:11-13). His warning is to stand fast in Christ and remain vigilant, lest we fall to the same temptations (12) by our enemy, the devil, who prowls around like a roaring lion on a hunt (1 Pt. 5:8-9).

When we give in to temptations and feel good about them, like the Israelites, we often use rationalization as our defense. It is unfortunate.

Have you been there before? Or are you wallowing in sinful deeds and feeling defensive about it? What is the strength of the temptation facing you today? How are you facing them?

Flirting may seem harmless, but it is a powerful temptation with severe consequences, much like taking a risk with seductive temptation. It is crucial to reset our minds about emotions like anger, dismay, frustration, and lying (Rm. 12:1-2). We must be careful not to replicate the Proverbial Ostrich because temptation is real and familiar to everybody. Your reaction, however, is the key to success or a tragic fall.

The good news is that there is a solution to your battle in Christ, as Paul says in 1 Cor. 10:13. So, let this scripture encourage you and look to Jesus, our great High Priest, as your ultimate example and draw strength from Him (Hebrews 4:14-16). He is faithful and will help you. Just stand firm, constant in vigilance, and look for God’s door of escape and run. Grace to you.

Pray with Me

Dear Lord, today I offer my feelings to You. Please help me stand and not fall when tempted. Thank You for a way out. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.