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 10:13
1 Corinthians 10:13 is a verse that many Christians commit to memory and is a verse of great comfort during dark and cloudy times. In chapter 10 of 1 Corinthians, Paul draws a direct parallel between the journey of the children of Israel in the wilderness as they left Egypt, their past of slavery, and the walk of Christians of the first century and our lives today. In the wilderness the people encountered many of the same trials we face today. The available resources did not seem enough to meet the needs of the people. They had to call on God. They were tempted to idolatry in the incident of the Golden Calf and were punished. They were tempted to be involved with sexual immorality as in their encounter with Balaam. Their journey was a growth in learning about their God and to trust God. Our faith journey is the same. It is still so easy to grumble, complain and doubt.
This verse tells us to remember that we are not the only person going through the problems we face. Disease, hardship and fear is felt by all people no matter how rich they might look, no matter how talented they might be and no matter where they might live in the world. God promises that we will not be tempted more than we can bear. When I pray, I often remind God of this promise as well as remind myself. Our problems either drive us closer to God as we seek his help or they drive us away but in either case, he is always there. G. K. Chesterton has said, “The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult; and left untried.”
1 Corinthians 10:13 us a good verse to put on a card to put on your mirror, have in your billfold or try to memorize. It’s a promise and God keeps his promises!
On the Way to Wonder 