No temptation has taken hold of you except what is common to mankind. But God is faithful—He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you can handle. But with the temptation He will also provide a way of escape, so you will be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13, TLV
A way of escape. Has anyone ever said to you, “God doesn’t give you more than you can handle.”? That saying — which isn’t Scriptural — is most likely based on this verse. Here’s the thing, at some point the world will give us more than what we can handle — guaranteed. But, here is the truth, “I can do all things through Messiah who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13, TLV)
Perhaps a better way to say it is, “The world can’t give us more than what God can handle.”
Temptations
However, when it comes to temptations. Ah, yes. There is no temptation beyond our ability to escape. In fact, He provides the way of escape, if we pay attention.
How do we identify temptation? Discernment. Can we develop discernment? Yes! By living Proverbs, by studying the whole of Scriptures. Just a reminder there is an archive of nearly 600 devotions on Proverbs on this website. Reading, studying, and living Proverbs is lifechanging — it sure was for me.
Once we identify a temptation, God has given us His Spirit to help us through any temptation. We can overcome that temptation with the LORD’s help. If we pay attention, then we will see the way out that God provides.
There are battles we fight with the LORD’s Right Arm, like temptations. And there are battles that only belong to the LORD. Knowing the difference means using that discernment muscle, which comes by ____ [fill in the blank].
A great reminder for me. I have learned that forgiveness is a choice.
It truly is a choice. So good to “see” you here, Priscilla. Thank you!
I choose to forgive daily.. I always want to be like Yeshua in that way
Wise man!
Hi Terri – (Let’s try this again. Pray for success!) Recently I have lived through the horror of losing a very close person through stupid words spoken in the heat of a disagreement. In the past we have been able to talk it out once we let it all hang out. This time has been different. Other people became involved, compounding the hurt and condemnation, and causing me to be completely shunned. When talking it over with a trusted friend, I admitted my mistakes and regrets, and said that of course, I forgive those who hurt me, as I pray they will forgive me. But, because I have been totally locked out of communication with the others, I am unable even to try to make things better. I have one last letter I am working on and hope that through my trusted intermediary, it will actually be received and read. In the meantime, I pray daily for forgiveness from our loving Father.
Sweet, Clyde. I’m praying that your friendship will be restored. However things work out, know that our Heavenly Father holds you and your friend.
The next person to forgive is yourself and sometimes this is the most difficult person to forgive, and the one who takes the longest to forgive.
Know that the moment you repented, He forgave you and threw that sin into the deepest abyss. You don’t have to remind Him to forgive, He doesn’t need to forgive in layers. He’s got you, my friend.
Rest in His love. Learn whatever lessons you can and keep praying for your friend to find freedom by forgiving you. Love you.
Thank you, dear friend … <3
<3
OH how I have shared on this for years!! But you have added another level for me. Forgive, in layers! Sometimes it isn’t a one time deal. Keep doing it over and over. Amen – healing will come.
Amen! When a counselor revealed that insight to me, it was life-changing. God knows what we can handle. Every once in awhile He’ll let me know it is time to forgive deeper, and I have to forgive again. He’s so loving and patient. So good to see you comments again, Teri.
Words of depth, peace and wisdom, Terri. Thank you!
God is so good!