Thirty Days of Thanksgiving: Day 18 - Escape from Temptation

"No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man;

and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted

beyond what you are able,

but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also,

so that you will be able to endure it."

       1 Corinthians 10:13

Many years ago when my husband and I were living in San Diego we participated in a small group Bible study which placed an emphasis upon memorizing a series of scriptures. 1 Corinthians 10:13 was one of those scriptures I learned at that time and I have never forgotten it. It is etched in my mind along with some of the memories of our small group times of fellowship where we quizzed each other on our verses, encouraging and laughing together.

We are all faced with temptation, sometimes daily. It is not God who tempts us toward evil, it is the devil who wants us to sin and fail, he does not want us to live victorious lives as believers in Christ, set free from the bondage of our sin. So he is constantly trying to lure us back to sinful living that we might feel discouraged and defeated. 

We are not alone in our temptation, all men have been tempted and Jesus Himself experienced temptation after fasting for 40 days in the wilderness (Matthew 4: 1-11). God allows temptation in our lives but He will never give us more than we can handle and He always provides us a way of escape. Sometimes that way of escape is simply to flee - if you find yourself in a situation where you have a particular weakness, don't stick around - get out of there as fast as you can!

God also gives us His word to overcome temptation. Jesus quoted scripture to rebuke Satan; likewise if we hide God's word in our heart we will be able to stand firm knowing God's truth and promises when temptation comes our way. Psalm 119:11 encourages us about the power of memorizing scripture "Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You."

So when temptation comes your way, stand firm in God's word and give thanks that God has not left you alone, he knows what you are going through and will give you strength to escape and endure.

With thanksgiving,
Linda