Enduring Temptation

1 Corinthians 10:13 “There has no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above that you are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it.”

Temptation is common to man…every man is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Each of us will experience temptation is some way.  We’re not all tempted with the same things, but make no mistake about it – we are all tempted. 

But not everyone escapes temptation.  Even though God provides grace and help in times of need and means of escape in times of temptation, not everyone gets out unscathed.  Many will give in to temptation and will bear the scars the rest of their life.  And, the ripple effects of sin can have an effect on those closest to those of us who yield to its power. 

But there’s a wonderful word in this verse…Paul says God provides a way of escape that we may be able to BEAR it.  Other translations say it like this: “So that you can endure it.”  Wow.  The escape that God provides may be a way out of temptation, or it may be a way through temptation. God will help you endure temptation.

You will experience temptation.  You may escape it.  But by God’s grace you can absolutely endure it.  Stay strong.  Keep your eyes on Jesus.