September 18, 2018 - - I Corinthians 10:13 - - Tempted again? Here's help.

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.

I Corinthians 10:13 NIV

Why do we face temptations? One day things are going along swimmingly and well and suddenly, bam! Temptation shows up. And there are days when temptations are beaten back. But, too often I find, temptations seem overwhelming.

Today I heard this wonderful quotation:

"I find it to be most true, that the greatest temptation out of hell is to live without temptations. If my waters would stand still, they would rot. Faith is the better of the free air, and of the sharp winter storm in its face. Grace withereth without adversity. The devil is but God's master fencer, to teach us how to handle our weapons."

Samuel Rutherford

God has given us His Word. Scripture is a great weapon against illicit allurements.

God has given us Christ. Jesus is the Captain of our Salvation and our Champion Who leads us into battle and victory.

God has given us prayer. We don't have to be eloquent or have just the right phrases because the Holy Spirit deep within us is praying.

God has given us the history of His faithfulness. All around us are Christians who have gained the victory. Learn from them and pray with them. Read of them.

God has given us His grace to withstand temptation. We will never know the full measure of His grace unless we have also seen how this grace withstands the slings and arrows of the enemy. God is fully reliable and His grace is sufficient.

Thank You, Heavenly Father, for the great men and women of the faith who are such an encouragement to us. Thank You, Spirit of God for Scripture which draws us back to Jesus again and again. Thank You for the promise that there is no temptation except that which is common. Whatever it is I am facing, so many other brothers and sisters in Christ have already faced it too and under the Lordship of Jesus Christ they have won the day. Give us, O God, grace to endure. May Your Name be praised. Amen.