The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. – 1 Cor. 10:13
Temptation is like sailing into a harbor. When the tide is low, I can see the dangerous rocks and steer clear of them. But Satan has a way of raising the tide and hiding them from me, tempting me to think that it’s safe and the coast is clear.
Sometimes I think my struggles are unique, but they’re not. I remember going to church one day where the preacher’s message was about lust. Afterward I was speaking with an elderly gentleman I know and said to him, “Well, I’m guessing that lust isn’t something you struggle too much with.” He gave me a stern look and replied, “Son, I might be old but I ain’t dead.” Point taken. None of us ever outgrow temptation.
But I take comfort in knowing that God oversees every temptation – whether it’s worldly, or my flesh, or the devil. Just like He protected Job from Satan’s full assault (Job 1:6-12) and shielded Peter from being sifted beyond repair (Luke 22:31), He sets boundaries around the temptations I face. He won’t allow the enemy to overwhelm me beyond what I can bear – not as rely on my own strength, but as I lean on His. Of course, over time as I grow in my faith, what I can handle may change. But God’s oversight never changes, and this is a huge comfort!
Best of all, He promises me a way out. Not just relief from the pressure, because giving in doesn’t count. All that does is put me in this revolving cycle of sin. He promises me a true escape, but I must choose it. I gotta look for the exit He provides. Maybe it’s a Bible verse. Or maybe it’s refusing to allow my tempting thought to take me captive, and instead start thinking about something pleasing to God (Philippians 4:8). Perhaps it’s calling a fellow brother in Christ who I’m accountable to, letting him know what I’m dealing with and getting some encouragement from him. Or maybe it’s just taking 30 seconds to shoot up a quiet prayer to God: “Lord, I need your strength right now. I’m weak. Shine some light on Your truth and guide my steps.”
As Spurgeon said, there’s no suffering under temptation for the ungodly. They know the bait is pleasing, so they partake of it. But for the person who knows God, there is a degree of suffering, albeit temporary. It’s not natural for us to deny ourselves. But don’t expect God to congratulate you for saying “no” to sin after being tempted.
You wouldn’t expect to be congratulated for not robbing a bank, would you?
Former Blackout Artist 