Saturday, October 27, 2007

Devotion: God Is Faithful

God is Faithful

By Marsha Iddings

1 Corinthians 1:9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

How is God faithful? Let's look at 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.

God is faithful to not let you be tempted beyond what you can handle. So often I have read or heard that this is saying that God will not let you go through a trial that is too much for you. I have always gotten the impression that this means bad circumstances such as ill health or other calamities. But as I have read this verse in its context I have learned something quite different.

Prior to verse 13, the Apostle Paul is talking about the sins of the children of Israel. He says in verses 6-10 that they lusted after evil, were idolaters, committed sexual sins, tempted Christ and they complained. God rained down judgment on them for their sin. Paul goes on to say that all these things are examples for us to learn from and if we think we stand, take heed lest we fall into the same sin and be judged by God. Then comes verse thirteen.

Here's what I have learned:

1. The root cause of all the sins mentioned in 1 Corinthians 10:6-10 is discontentment.

2. 1 Corinthians 10:13 is talking about temptation to sin, not trying circumstances

3. Temptation to sin often comes packaged in trials and unpleasant circumstances.

4. God promises to be faithful and He will not allow you to be tempted to sin above your

ability to resist it. He will provide a way to escape the sin.

5. Our responsibility is to take the way of escape He provides.

6. Verse 31 gives an escape route. "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye

do, do all to the glory of God."

Another escape route is found in Psalm 103:1-5;

Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;

Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;

Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.

When we actively seek to praise God and remember what He has done for us, past, present and future, there will not be room for discontentment and complaining. God is faithful. He has provided a way of escape from temptation that we may be able to bear it. We just need to do our part and take it.


Sufficient Grace Publishing --books by Marsha
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