¹³ 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 temple he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

What an encouraging, comforting reminder for us to have in our mind, that when we are tempted, which we will all be tempted, today in all kinds of different ways, from all kinds of different directions, the world, the flesh, the devil, all conspiring against us at all times.

We are bombarded by temptation. So, when we are tempted, when you are tempted, know this;  everything you’re tempted by is common to man.

As you face temptation, God is faithful and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability. You are not a prey to temptation. It is not a predator that has power over you. You have power over temptation, and God with that temptation will provide you a way of escape.

I love that phrase, the way of escape. I was just reading the other day in 1 Samuel 23 when God saves David from Saul who was pursuing him, wanting to kill him then David calls that place The Rock of Escape. I thought, “Oh, that’s such a powerful picture how God guards us and protects us and saves us, helps us escape.” That’s exactly what this verse is saying, that you have a way out of temptation. God will provide you the way of escape so that you may be able to endure it. 

How is all of this possible? It’s possible by the power of Jesus, who faced the full extent of temptation to sin in this world and never gave in once

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Application:

Consider the things you are tempted by. Consider what it is within the temptation that has your attention. Hand it over to God.

Prayer:

God help us to live in this reality today. When we are tempted, help us to realise the root of that temptation and not to doubt your goodness, question your word, or defy your authority, but to trust You. You are faithful.

We pray that You would do exactly what You promised, that You would provide the way of escape, and that we would take it by the power of your Spirit, Lord Jesus, in us.