"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
If you've been a Christian for a while now, you would know that it's a myth to believe that life's challenges drop to a minimum after we give our lives to Christ. That's because problems, trials and challenges will still be there and they will still be as overwhelming as before.
Financial problems, relationship problems, sin struggles, sickness and unforeseen events will still come your way, and to think that we can do it on our own this time around just means that we still don't get the point.
While it's true that 1 Corinthians 10:13 tells us that God doesn't give us a challenge we cannot face and overcome, don't get it wrong by thinking that He won't throw big ones that you won't be able to carry. Let's make things clear, God will allow big challenges that would probably overwhelm you if you had to do things on your own.
God brings great trials that could possibly overtake us if He were not there by our side, but the beauty behind all this is that He never leaves us nor forsakes us! He is always there to overcome for us. In John 16:33 Jesus promises, "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."
God brings overwhelming problems into our lives to remind us that it is by His overwhelming grace and love that we go through the storms of life, not our own works and definitely not our own strength.
Indeed, no temptation, challenge or circumstance will overtake us that is not common to man, but that is because God is faithful and for no other reason. It is He who carries our burdens and it is He who provides a way of escape for us.
Many people take 1 Corinthians 10:13 out of context because they believe that it is by their strength that they overcome temptation. We must remind ourselves everyday that God taught us to pray, "lead us not into temptation."
Left to ourselves, we will be overwhelmed, overtaken and trampled by our challenges, but thank God that we are never left to ourselves. He is gracious and kind and never leaves our side. God gives us trials that are impossible to bear because He has already won the battle for us even before it starts.
Richard Turnbull brought an unusual combination of skills to his life’s work. He died on 26 October, aged 65, having been diagnosed with terminal cancer.
