The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

1 Corinthians 10:13

In 1 Corinthians 10, Paul continues advising the believers in Corinth concerning the issue of eating meat that had been offered to idols. In the first portion of this chapter, he recounts how the Israelites, after they had been delivered from bondage in Egypt, sinned against the Lord (10: 1-10). Their moral and spiritual failures serve as warnings for us (10:11).

Then, before addressing the specific issue on the table, Paul offers a word of pastoral counsel concerning temptation and how to stand against it. "The temptations in your life," he writes, ''are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure" (10:13). When we are tempted to sin, the fact that others experience similar feelings is an encouragement. It helps us know that we're not alone. In fact, the common experience of temptation can make it easier for us to share our struggle with others, who can pray for us, support us, and hold us accountable.

Even better news for us when we are tempted has to do with God. Though we may be weak, God is strong and faithful. He will not allow us to be tempted beyond our capacity.  With His help, we can withstand. Moreover, God will provide a way out, an escape from temptation that will keep us from falling into the pit of sin.

The next time you feel the lure of temptation pulling at your soul, ask the Lord for his way out. It may come in the form of a friend or perhaps a growing inner desire to please God. He may give you a vision of the negative impact of your sin or a picture of how your obedience will be blessed. In these and countless other ways, God will faithfully lead you away from temptation, if you are willing to seek his help.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION: How do you respond to the idea that your temptations are in essence the same as those of other people? When have you experienced God's help that enabled you to withstand temptation? Do you need a way out of temptation right now? Are you willing to seek the Lord's help?

PRAYER: Dear Lord, thank you for the encouragement of 1 Corinthians 10:13. It does help me to know that others are tempted as I am. Even more, I am thankful for your provision of a way out of temptation.

When I am tempted, Lord, may I turn to you for help. May I cry out to you and watch for a way of escape. Be strong, dear Lord, when I am weak.

Most of all, I am reminded to thank you today, Lord Jesus, for experiencing and withstanding temptation, so that you might help me and provide forgiveness when I fail. In your name I pray, Amen.