The Scripture for today is 1 Corinthians 10:13.
Before I read it, let me share a thought about it. I remember memorizing this verse when I was a teenager. It meant a lot to me then and has never failed to encourage me. As one verse of scripture goes, this one is fairly long. Don’t let that stop you from learning and treasuring it. It contains a promise that will get you past many dark places in your life.
Here is the verse:
“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.”
Let me paraphrase it for you.
“When you are tempted (and you will be) always remember, other people have faced the same struggles and done well. You can too. Your faithful God has promised that there is a way to get past the temptation without sinning. Look for it.”
Every time the devil has tried to tempt me, I can look to the promise of this verse. It has never failed me. Unfortunately, sometimes I have failed it. Moses murdered an Egyptian, King David committed adultery, Peter denied he knew Jesus – three times! God did not fail them, they just didn’t lean on Him.
Satan has two rules that we believe too often: (1) I am the exception to the rules. (2) I will get more pleasure from doing things my way rather than doing things God’s way.
Here’s the problem: Those are fake rules. No, they are lies.
Today’s scripture gives us the real true rule: There is always an escape from sin, so you don’t have to give in. God is not only pulling for you, he is actively providing a way out.
I know 1 Corinthians 10:13 is a long verse, but store it up in your heart. Someday, maybe today, you will need the encouragement.
Lonnie Davis