A Promise

"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."

- 1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV)

Temptation and Promises isn't exactly what you think of when you try to pair up terms. They don't follow under famous duos such as Peanut Butter and Jelly, Batman and Robin, Abbott and Costello, Salt and Pepper (or Salt and Pepa for that matter). If anything, we often look at Temptation and Promises as two things that are on the opposite sides of the spiritual spectrum from one another. Throughout our Christian life we are given Biblical promises that we can hold on to. Most famous of these is most likely Romans 8:28, which reads: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." As far as promises go in the Bible, Romans 8:28 ranks at the top. It's quoted in sympathy cards and encouragement notes alike; and with good reason. We should hold to promises like this. We know that Scripture is true and that we can put our hope in anything that it affirms.

But what about other Promises that Scripture has given us? Of course they're countless. From the covenants of the Old Testament to the decrees of Christ himself, we have promises that we know are true. Even when it comes to Temptation. Recently it seems that this subject has been like a broken record in my life. I know that we all face temptation on a daily basis, and it is a daily battle. I am certainly no exception to that. Temptation happens daily, in word, thought and deed. When I say it has been showing up in my life lately, I mean more so in reading and in sermons that I've been hearing. God has been reminding me through His word what He has to say about it. This promise has been my comfort here lately.

I know that this verse isn't a obscure one by any means. As a matter fact, many may have memorized this in Sunday School when they were little. But often we don't understand the fullness of a promise like this. The Holy Spirit working through the Apostle Paul here tells us that there is no temptation that God cannot give us a way out of. As always the passage tells us that God is faithful, as He is always in our lives and that He will not allow us to be tempted more then we can endure, but always be there for us. In times of temptation this is the verse we must search after. This is the verse that we must cling too. Just as Christ rebuked Satan with Scripture during His temptation, we too must run to God's Holy Word when we are under the Temptation of the Evil One.

It is not my desire to sound overly-pious by sharing this verse and encouraging others to cling to it. I just know the help and comfort that it has offered me in my life. Hopefully through this transparency I will benefit someone else. When you face temptation daily, hold strong to the Promise that God has offered us.