“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” (I Corinthians 10:13 NIV).
Too many so-called believers still have pieces of their old sinful nature still living within them. While many have been able to put to death many aspects of their sinful natures, many choose to keep souvenirs, clinging to particular portions of their old life. While there are varying amounts being kept, these tokens only serve as reminders of a life gone by, a life that was completely ruled by a sinful nature. The problem with keeping these souvenirs, these tokens alive, it gives opportunity for temptation to do its thing.
“But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death” (James 1:14-15).
Every man is tempted, but he is tempted by his own passions and by his own desires. His own lust serves as the bait for the temptation. Once the trap is baited, it is man’s lower nature, his fleshly desires that draws him away and entices him. Then once the temptation goes from the confines of man’s mind and he acts upon it, he then gives birth to sin. Once sin is born, it grows up, matures, and then brings with it, death.
“But remember this—the wrong desires that come into your life aren’t anything new and different. Many others have faced exactly the same problems before you. And no temptation is irresistible. You can trust God to keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can’t stand up against it, for he has promised this and will do what he says. He will show you how to escape temptation’s power so that you can bear up patiently against it” (I Corinthians 10:11-13 TLB).
While the old cliché says, “God never gives you more than you can bear,” we actually see that God will not allow you to be tempted beyond your capability to “stand up against the temptation, if you choose.” But you have to be willing to find the way of escape and not allow that old sinful nature and the temptation to give birth to sin. It is then, when you find that way of escape, that you will be able to endure and “stand up against it.” Remember, God will provide a way out, a way to escape, but you have to look for it and be willing to use it.
We pray that today’s inspirational message will be a blessing to you and we pray that you will share them with others so that they may be blessed as well. Amen.
Enjoy your blessings - KW
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