VICTORY IS ALWAYS WITHIN REACH
(1 Corinthians 10:13)
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
Temptation. What's your take on it? Nobody in their right mind enjoys temptation or tribulation for Christ's sake. What we do need, however, is a proper perspective on what's happening in the midst of these things. First and foremost, we all need to realize that no matter what comes upon us -- no matter how much pressure we seem to be subject to -- there is always "a way of escape" that will allow us to glorify God as He intended. For years, I've heard people complain about their trials and make excuses for not enduring them. "I can't take it", they've said. "That was too heavy for me", they cried. "He/She couldn't deal with the pressure", they exclaimed. These mindsets are all wrong and are an affront to the Lord God Almighty.
Do you believe today's text -- 1 Corinthians 10:13? The standard answer to this question is yes......but do you really believe it?!? This verse lets us know that all temptations that we're subject to are common to man -- nothing strange or irregular about them. The good thing is that God will NEVER -- under no circumstances whatsoever -- allow us to encounter something that is beyond the scope of our ability and maturity in Him. In other words, VICTORY IS ALWAYS WITHIN REACH. People fall, stumble, trip and are overtaken, but all of these things happen by the individual's choice....if we believe the scriptures.
The word "temptation" means "putting to proof". Psalm 11 lets us know that God tries the righteous. Other associated passages let us know that we are tried as gold and silver is tried -- by fire. Matthew 3:12 lets us know that Jesus will thoroughly purge His floor -- separating the chaff from the wheat -- as only chaff can be blown away by the wind. Matthew's account also lets us know that those who come to Christ will be baptized by fire (trials and temptations). These are not pleasant pictures, but they are true and everyone who loves the Lord and seeks Him with a pure heart will embrace them.
With EVERY temptation, there is a way out...a way of escape. The way of escape can always be summed up in one word -- OBEDIENCE!!! The chaff, the tares, the goats and the wolves have no pleasure in obedience and will be consumed by the fire and blown away by the wind. Since victory is always within reach, do you aspire to reach that plateau? Are you determined to strive for the strait gate? Are you determined to please God in all that you do? Examine yourself whether ye be in the faith concerning these issues. Victory IS always within reach. I exhort you in the name of the Lord Jesus to seize the opportunity laid before you.
Victory is Always Within Reach
Reprinted from the Remnant Online Collection -- Volume 3, Issue 44
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