7 OCT 23 Saturday: A Closer Walk Devotional

 7 OCT 23 Saturday: A Closer Walk Devotional

“If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall.  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. 1012-13

One day I was having a conversation with a friend and he began to tell me of all the problems and struggles that he was having.  He had personal health issues, lost a spouse, and job issues due to his health.  He was going through his own personal tornado of stuff.  As I listened, he said, ‘Well, like the Lord said, he won’t give you more than you can handle.”  Internally, I began to sigh and it probably showed on my face.  Normally, I keep a pretty good poker face, but not this time.

I knew this person was trying to comfort himself with God’s word, but he misquoted and misunderstood the text.  He is not the only one.  Many people say this and are disillusioned when God actually gives them more than they can handle.  God does give you more than you can handle, but he is always with you and is there to preserve you through it or deliver you into his presence.  Paul tells the Church in Corthin, that their temptations are common to all men.  God in his mercy, doesn’t allow you to be tempted beyond what you can handle.

First, God doesn’t tempt you, either Satan brings it or your own desires. (see James 1) All sin is premeditated.  We know it, entertain it, and then execute it without help from anyone. Temptation leads to sin and sin leads to death.  God may test your faith to make it stronger, but he never puts you in a position to sin within the testing.  In his mercy, he shows you how to escape temptation so you do not sin.  The key is to learn to pay attention to the exit signs.  

The Holy Spirit will give you insight as he gives you notice when temptation is creeping in.  It’s like he gives you pause to see it and to choose to escape or engage it.  These moments create a hatred for sin and a softening of your heart to choose smartly.  How are you doing with this? If you are struggling, ask God to help you see the exit and to use it when it is offered.

Are you seeing and using the exits from temptation?

Reading Plan: Psalm 107:33-43, 108: 1-6; 2 Kings 19:21-36; 1 Cor. 10:1-13; Matt. 8:18-27