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Facing tests and temptations is part of being human. When confronted with temptation, we can either submit or resist. Which of these will you choose? As a Christians, we are called to do the latter. God has given us the means by which we may conquer rather than fold. So how do we overcome them?
Temptation Will Come
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind.
1 Corinthians 10:13a
As surely as the sun will rise today, you will be tempted before it sets. The same word is used for ‘temptation’ and ‘test’ in the original language; they are used interchangeably (1 Corinthians 10:10 and 1 Corinthians 10:13). Therefore, they take various forms such as the desire to exercise greed, pride, lust and the like (1 John 2:16). They also entail trials and suffering that may cause you to doubt God’s provision, uncertain that He can or will meet your needs (1 Corinthians 10:1—10; Exodus 17:2-7). These are not unique to you, but are experienced by all human beings. The bottom line is this: temptation and tests will come. By anticipating them, you can be on guard and refuse to give in. You can refuse to allow them to make you doubt God and draw you away from Him.
God is Faithful
And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear
1 Corinthians 10:13b
God’s faithfulness is the grounds for confidence that you can overcome temptation. He is sovereign over what comes into your life. Hence, the tests He may allow you to face are not beyond your ability to deal with. This is not because of your own strength, but because of the grace and strength He supplies to you in His devotion toward you. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10; 1 Pet 5:10; Philippians 4:13). God is not just committed to saving you, but to sanctifying you completely (1 Thessalonians 5:23), making you more like Jesus by the power of His Spirit (Romans 8:29; 2 Thessalonians 2:13) and preserving you to the end (Philippians 1:6; 1 Corinthians 1:8-9; Romans 8:30). Because He is faithful, He will sustain you in and through all tests and temptations. You will not be tempted beyond what you can bear. Even if you fall into sin, temptation will not be the end of you.
God provides a way of escape
But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
1 Corinthians 10:13c
Remember, temptation will come. It is inevitable. Therefore, the ‘escape’ or ‘the way out’ does not mean exemption. But it does mean endurance. Consider what God is doing in you and through you as you are being tested. From the tests, endurance is birthed and maturity is developed (James 1:2-4). He is working inside you as you put your faith into practice (Philippians 2:12-13). God is supplying you with all the nutrients you need to stand strong amidst temptation so that you may praise God when tested like Job, rather than curse Him and sin (Job 1: 20-22; 2:9-10). God is enabling you to trust Him in times of lack unlike the Israelites who hungered, thirsted and grumbled in the wilderness (Exodus 15:22-24; 16:1-3). He gives grace and the strength available in Christ (Philippians 4:13).
Very soon, you will meet again with your old foes – tests and temptations. Before you do, anticipate them so that you can stand your ground. Decide to resist it and submit to God, knowing that He is faithful to preserve as you fight. Lastly, remember that there is a way out – endurance through the grace and strength He supplies.
