Temptation not Irresistible

“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 Cor. 10:13

Temptations could take many forms. People find certain dangerous things alluring and are attracted to them like a moth to a fire. For example, a cashier could regularly “borrow” some of the cash he handles to settle his financial problems and soon find that he is unable to refund the money.

For others, their endurance is tested to their limits by difficult or traumatic experiences. One pastor gave the example of the raising teenagers. People expect church leaders to set a good example and raise bright and well behaved children. But for some, their children will become delinquent; cut school, take drugs, get HIV or become parents outside wedlock. Such parents can be tempted to despondency and the loss of their faith, wondering where they went wrong.

We are reminded that these temptations are part and parcel of human nature. However, we can resist the allure of sin. We can nurture the strength of spirit to cushion us so that we are not consumed by tragedies. Others have done it, and so can we. We need to look for wisdom and guidance from the Lord, and nothing will be too much to bear.

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"Temptations which accompany the working day will be conquered on the basis of the morning breakthrough to God. Decisions, demanded by work, become easier and simpler where they are made not in the fear of men, but only in the sight of God. He wants to give us today the power which we need for our work". ~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer