“So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! 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 10:12-13
Special thanks to Charles Stanley for his ‘Winning the War Within’ book which has blessed me with these insights.
As I have been writing about temptation, this verse above all, brings delight to me. It first of all reminds us of our frailty. By this I do not just mean being weak, but also our tendency to become proud or lenient after being victorious in 2-3 instances of temptation.
It speaks about God’s faithfulness which makes Him the perfect candidate for us to trust. I don’t know about you but in my experience, when I’m most hurt, most sad, most frustrated, there I am most vulnerable to temptation. And as you reflect on God’s faithfulness, does it not give you comfort, and hope that there’ll be a better tomorrow?
And here it begins to get interesting; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. We know God is in control of everything. He is the author and perfecter of our faith (Heb. 12: 2), why didn’t I ever think that He too has a say on our temptation?
In the book, Mr. Stanley writes that God is intimately involved in our lives. He stresses this by citing the Luke 22:31-32, when Jesus tells Peter that Satan has asked for him. You see God sets the limit and boundary of how far Satan can go. God never promised we won’t experience trouble, in fact, He warned us about it. But He promises to never leave or forsake us. As what I’ve mentioned before to grow is to be tempted. So whatever temptation you’re facing, remember, by God’s grace you are a conqueror!
‘But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.’ Think of the last time you fell into sin. If you could have just paused for a while, thought things through, would you have acted differently? How about if you’ve planned it beforehand?
The Bible says in Proverbs 19: 2, ‘Enthusiasm without knowledge is no good; haste makes mistakes.’ Haste may be one of Satan’s tools to block your vision, to hinder you from the best plans into giving in to his substitutes. His tactic as always is for us to satisfy our desires and cravings in the fastest, least painful way.
What’s Next?
Now that you know more about How to Stop Temptation When It Starts, The 5 Weak Points of Man and How to Break the Unending Cycle of Sin, what do you do?
- Remember
Don’t wait until Satan plans his next attack and you go “Shoot! What was that blog I read about this?” Start building your walls. Plan your defense strategies NOW. What areas in your life do you think needs to be surrendered to Jesus? Where are your weak spots?
- Study God’s Word
This is where you get your knowledge. The Bible gives the best defense mechanisms. Some of which are prayer, meditation, seeking counsel, waiting on God. Wise up and read.
- Be Accountable
Having godly mentors and friends who will track your walk is one of the best tools of assistance and protection in the Christian family. It is not meant to intrude but to influence. It not meant to control but to convict. More importantly, as we follow Jesus, He formed his disciples for them to sharpen one another and to share joys, trials, failures and triumphs.