Daily Encouragement

“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)

All temptations are short-cuts.

There are moral short-cuts, such as when we are tempted to take something — anything — that doesn’t belong to us; whether it be tangible (money) or intangible (recognition); and effectively by-pass the additional time, effort, or sacrifice required to acquire these things legitimately.

There are emotional short-cuts, such as when we by-pass the opportunity to share the sorrow or grief of another person because doing so is inconvenient or difficult.

Today’s scripture reminds us of two things: (1) Our heavenly Father will never allow us to be in a situation where evil or sin is our only choice; and (2), In the times when temptation seems to envelop us, our heavenly Father has provided an escape route.  Look for it.  Don’t move until you find it.  Take it.

The resistance of temptations of all kinds may be the long way home, but it is the way home.  – Luther

“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.” (1 Corinthians 10:13, NIV)

“Temptation” is any invitation to abandon God’s will. In this world, temptation is a common experience. However, escaping temptation is expected to be the Christian disciple’s common response.

The bible tells us that God will not allow a temptation greater than we can bear. In every temptation — whether we are facing it for the first time or for the 50th time — God has provided us an exit.

When you are tempted, look for the exit — then take it!  – Luther