The only temptations that you have are the same temptations that all people have. But you can trust God. He will not let you be tempted more than you can bear. But when you are tempted, God will also give you a way to escape that trial and temptation. Then you will be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13
First, it should be noted that the word translated “temptation” in the King James Version actually has a broader sense than our English word “temptation” usually carries. By “temptation” we generally mean “being tempted to sin.” In the Greek, however, the meaning is bigger. It does include the idea of being “tempted to sin.” But it also includes the idea of “time of trial” or “time of testing.” The word is peirasmos.
It is the same Greek word used in 1 Peter 4:12—Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” (1 Peter 4:12-13)
Have you ever been so burdened and hurt that you thought this is it, I can not go on living a day more, Im done, I am ready to leave this earth and all the heartache and physical pain behind. I have, and feel like that right now. Yes, I experience these feelings too, where do you think I get all my content from? I get it I really get it cause I have been through it thats the only way I can write about it.
I know that is not “Faith” but pain speaks so loud sometimes that it takes a STRONG HOLD on you that feels like will never let go and you are drowning in a ocean of tears with no life preserver.
In this passage it starts off speaking of temptations to sin, well Im not talking about doing something that is so horrible but what I am talking about today is being tempted in the way of forgiving someone who has hurt you by words, physically, spiritually mentally by their actions that has cause you to be in a battle in your mind and have to walk through a very hard trial. God says that many others have felt or are feeling the same way right now, that it is common to man. My heart goes out to you if you too are experiencing something so devastating that you want to leave this earth because of it.
“Then it says But God is faithful“– God does not lie; He always tells the truth (Numbers 23:18-19). He, therefore, always keeps all of His promises (Deuteronomy 7:9-10). That faithfulness includes what is stated in this verse about us being able to overcome the temptation- trial.
Who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able“ – God has set limits on the power of Satan in tempting us (Psalms 103:11-14; Job 1:6-2:10). Therefore, Satan cannot set any temptation before us which is impossible for us to resist. Thats a comforting thought when we feel like we can’t push through anymore.
God is saying, in essence, “I know that what you are going through is very hard. I know it may seem unbearable. But you need to realize that others have gone though very similar trials. I enabled them to get through it. I will get you through it too!” By the grace of God you will make it if you decide to continue to fight for your peace.
How often we feel that we have reached the end of our rope—when in all actuality we really haven’t ( even though we look battered and bruised) . How often we feel that we can endure no more—when we really can. You see, God is the One Who knows us better that anyone else possibly could. He knows us better than we know ourselves. He knows how much we can bear. He knows exactly which “straw would break the camel’s back.” And He promises that He will never allow that much testing to come our way. Even when we cry out “Oh God, I can’t take anymore!” He gently reminds us of these words. “I will not allow you to be tested above what you are able to bear.
“But with the temptation will also make the way of escape” – God is smarter and stronger than Satan (1 John 4:4). So no matter what Satan uses to tempt us or bring pain to us , God provides an “escape route” so that we can avoid giving in to that temptation or quitting on life. We need to always be looking for that escape route. God has many of examples of escape in His word but a lot of times there is no exact answer in His word of how to get out of the mess we are in right now with a step by step explanation, we just have to trust Him.
There are those times of trial when there seems to be absolutely no way out in your minds view. It’s as if we had been pushed into a room with no windows and no doors. We can see no hope whatsoever of getting out. In those times, He says, “I will make a way to escape.” At just the right time, in just the right way, He will open the door to freedom.
It is not always easy to remember that we have a Father who is bigger than any horrible circumstance could ever be. It is during these times when we must force our sight away from the circumstances and onto God. Sometimes to only way of escape is to endure.
Most of us tend to gaze at our circumstances and glance at God now and then. We need to reverse that. We need to gaze upon God and glance at our circumstances.
It is during times like these when we must cling to His promises knowing the circumstances might be so overwhelming at this moment in time, but He will certainly see us through!
“That you may be able to bear it” – With God’s help, it is possible for us to “bear up” and “endure” every evil trial sent by Satan. just like Jesus Christ certainly did while He was on earth.
We’ve all seen load-limit signs on highways, bridges, and elevators. Knowing that too much strain can cause severe damage or complete collapse, engineers determine the exact amount of stress that various materials can safely endure. Posted warnings tell us not to exceed the maximum load. Human beings also have their load limits, which vary from person to person. Some people, for example, can bear the pressure of trial and temptation better than others; yet everyone has a breaking point and can take only so much.In this verse, Paul promises that God is faithful and He will not allow you to be tested or tempted beyond what you are able. Yet, we must draw on God to deliver us.
Mother Theresa once said, “I know God won’t give me more than I can handle. I just wish he didn’t trust me so much.”
The use of the word “THE” with both “temptation” and “way of escape” points to a particular way of escape that is available in each temptation. Paul did not mean there is ONE way of escape that is available regardless of the temptation. His point is: Look for the escape route! There is a way out! Overcoming temptation and enduring a fiery trial is not a matter of simply sitting down on a sofa with a box of chocolates and telling God to make the way of escape from whatever is tempting us or the painful trial we are in . We are responsible to do our part as well. Paul states that we discover God’s saving plan in the key words: “bear,” “stand up,” and “flee” (10:12-14). Paul wants us to be victorious. He wants us to persevere through our tests and temptations. He is for us!
God raised up Winston Churchill to lead Britain through the darkest hour of her history during the Nazi invasion in World War II. All hope seemed to be lost, but he refused to allow them to give up. Eventually God gave them victory over their demonic Nazi enemies.
Later, Churchill was invited to give a speech at a boys school which he himself had attended as a boy . When it was time for him to speak, he walked to the podium and spoke these words, slowly and with great emphasis, “Boys, never give up… Never give up… Never… Never… Never… Never.” And he sat down. I’m sure every person in attendance carried vivid memories of that moment to his dying day!
When you are going through the fiery trial, let this verse be God’s way of giving you powerful reasons why you should… NEVER EVER GIVE UP!
My prayer for all of us : Lord, we know there is always divine provision for temptation and trails through you, help us to endure to the end because you always provide a specific way of escape as we trust in you instead of our feelings.
Blessings,
Stacy