A great promise

A great promise                    

1 Corinthians 10:13 ‘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 stand up under it’ NIV Bible

Extra Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:1-13

Let me begin by saying that we can trust God; he is absolutely trustworthy and faithful; he will never let us down. The pillar of Christianity is the faithfulness of God. During his life on earth, Jesus demonstrated His Father’s faithfulness and the people of God prove it every day; and this faithfulness God has promised that we will never be tempted beyond our capacity to bear. Obviously, we will always be tempted beyond our natural ability to cope, but through the gift of God’s grace, we need never fail unless, of course, we fail to use that grace. We can endure-of that we can be sure.

James says, ‘Resist the devil, and he will flee from you,’ and his next statement is also helpful, ‘Come near to God and he will come near to you’ (James 4:7, 8). I am sure you are aware that life is a battle, and temptations cannot be handled in a purely passive way; resistance is called for, but the resources we need are close at hand. We have the promise to this effect. The way out, that is, the resolution of a temptation, may be to bear it cheerfully; on the other hand, God may engineer a way of escape for us. We note, however, that sometimes he might want us to take action ourselves. Paul said, ‘flee from adultery’ (v.14). We need no more guidance than that regarding idolatry. If we find ourselves in a place of danger where we cannot honour God, we should move, and move quickly!

Let’s take much comfort from Paul’s inspired words because we are all tempted, tested, stressed from time to time and sometimes a burden seems to be unbearable; but our faithful God will not leave us to bear it alone. He gives abundant grace and hope.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, make me strong against temptations I face in this world. Please spread your sheltering grace around me, in Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

Rev. Samuel N. Modise