“It’s just too hard” – How often does that though creep into our minds. Whether it be the battle with sin in your life, or maybe painful circumstances - an illness, death of a loved one, financial crisis, or conflict. Sometimes all we want to do is give up because things are just too difficult or too confronting to deal with. What a blessing it is however to have the comfort of the Scriptures, the comfort of God’s very Word. And what greater place to turn to than 1Corinthians 10:13 - No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. In this verse we have 5 hope-giving truths we can embrace during life’s struggles.
1) No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. You are not alone in your battle; there are millions of people in history who have experienced essentially the same thing. Yes, your situation has details unique to you, but at its core it is just like what many others faced. Scripture was written to people who were in many ways like us. They experienced the same kind of sins and struggles we do. Therefore, the comfort God gave them in the Scriptures can apply to us as well.
2) God is faithful. Maybe you’ve been tempted to wonder if God will be faithful to you. Make no mistake; “if we are faithless He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself” (2 Timothy 2:13). God’s very character is at stake, and God will never be found lacking. We can trust in God’s faithfulness.
3) He will not let you be tempted beyond what you’re able. Whatever you’re facing right now, God’s grace is sufficient for you (2 Corinthians 12:9). It may not feel like it’s possible, but on the basis of God’s character and by His strength you can overcome your trial.
4) With the temptation He will also provide a way of escape. God has provided, in every situation, a path for you to take. There is always a choice of roads to travel. When faced with the temptation to sin, you can choose to succumb or you can choose to resist and flee. When you are confronted with a difficult ordeal, you can succumb to despair and anxiety or you can endure with the strength He provides. God’s Word will light the way of escape and show you the path to follow to get you through the situation.
5) You will be able to endure it. If you’re weighed down with the pressures of life, God may not remove the burden, but He will provide strength to endure.
So when you read 1 Corinthians 10:13, know for certain that no matter the depth of your temptation or trial, the Lord is faithful, He has provided your way of escape, and you can endure it.
Contributed by Alex Townsend