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
In the 1970s, there was a TV variety program called the Flip Wilson Show. One of Flip's gag lines was, "the Devil made me do it." But, of course, whoever said it, often Geraldine Jones, one of his characters, merely used it as an excuse for doing something the person wanted to do anyway, such as buying an expensive designer dress.
The Apostle Paul reminds us that there is nothing uncommon about temptation. What we aren't drawn to by our natural state of sinfulness, Satan helps misdirect us. But, the Devil is not terribly imaginative. He is a one-trick pony, using what's already in front of us—frequently picking at the scabs of our already forgiven wounds. However, without God's help, it often doesn't take much prompting to give in. Where the Devil deals in the ordinary, God deals in the extraordinary, he is our ever-present help; not only does he walk with us and rescue us, but he forgives us. Satan digs the hole and helps us fall in, but only God can lift us out and set us back on the right path.
Awesome God, we give you our thanks and praise for your faithfulness. Whenever we are tempted, you are there to help us overcome. When we feel at our breaking point, we recall your promise that you will never leave us or forsake us. Thank you for loving us. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
It’s good to remember that God is with us in all things!