Trusting in God's Word

1 Corinthians 10:13

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.

One of the most misused verses often quoted in church sermons and biblical advice is: 2 Corinthians 10:13. Many will recite this verse as "God will never give you more than you can handle." This is like saying to God, "Give me more patience." The answer you receive may not be what you expect.

Though this verse is misquoted, it is often used when dealing with a person who is suffering or going through a stormy season. It is meant as way of encouraging, and I get it. But the verse in its proper context is much more than encouragement or simple motivational rhetoric.

The verse above is encouraging, but it is also a message to make us aware, that life is full of challenges. There are times and seasons we may go through that appear to be dark and gloomy, and perhaps, even hopeless. The cautionary advice from the Lord is, to know that we are capable of being tempted to sin. Our admonishment is to know and trust God, who faithful, and who will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear - not just be able to bear all the troubles that come our way.

To be able bear up under the temptation is to do what is right in the sight of God. To rely and submit to His will, His strength and His grace.

This is to prove the point, that by faith, we can trust God in coming to our aid to help us resist the temptation to sin. Let's face facts, we all are sinners, who fall short of the glory of God. With that in mind, we are also subject to being tempted while still dressed in human flesh. The difference is, that as a child of God, who has been forgiven of all our sins, past, present and future, we can still choose to rely on our faith in the Lord who will always be there when we need Him the most.

You may be going through a season of storms, or facing a difficult situation right now. That's when Satan is at work. He is throwing you under the bus and delights in your giving into temptation.

But Satan is even more afraid of your faith if you remain true to God's faithfulness. He shutters and shakes in his boots when God's working power, through the blood of Jesus is being poured out on you.

This why James says, "Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." - James 4:7

There are times when things seem unbearable and impossible. That's when we must stand strong and steadfast in our love and trust in God. Temptations will surely come to us. That's when we must go to to God and submit to Him. Then, we can bear the pressure that temptation brings, because God makes a way for us to escape, so that we may be able to bear it.

Your servant in Christ,

Pastor Tom