“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 (NIV)

It had been years since I dropped in for a visit, and feeling a bit giddy, ignored that inner voice telling me I shouldn’t. I just wanted to catch a glimpse of the past. It was my birthday, and we were driving past it anyway so what could it hurt to take a little peek. Maybe there was a spa! Maybe there was shopping! Maybe we could grab a bite to eat!

And so we did! We parked and went inside. But it was much harder than I thought it would be. The lights. The sounds. The attraction of the fun I had missed for the past six and a half years.

And then that critical moment of decision; to stand firm or be swayed by my emotions. And sadly, my emotion took hold of that moment. I had found the perfect slot machine. Breaking down the fortress that had guarded my heart for so long, I slid some money in and sat down to play. As good as it felt to let down my guard, it also felt dangerously wrong, especially when the very first spin hit a nice jackpot.

But as quietly as the devil whispered welcome home my friend, the Spirit whispered remember me? For it was the Spirit who broke me free from the devil’s grip and brought healing from the pain I hid behind each time I sat behind those enamoring yet deceitful machines.

Delighted as I was by my win, I was even more delighted when Scripture began to flow through my mind. “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)‬‬

I had always strived to memorize Scripture but felt like I had greatly failed. The words and the references did not flow as smoothly through my mind as my self-critical expectations would aspire. But God had secretly inscribed His weapons on the tablet of my heart and began to fight for me as I recalled the truth of His promises and the Hope of His purposes. He reminded me through His Words that I now belonged to Him. It was my choice whether to go back to Egypt or trudge forth in the Freedom of His beautiful promise. But God seemed to make it easy as He took His Sword and cut deep inside my heart, melting the temptations into blissful restraint.

The time I had spent with the Lord, digging into His treasures, had not been wasted after all. As His words came hurling into my mind, it brought great joy and comfort as I acknowledged His whispers of Truth.

There is no luck to encounter in God’s Word. It is a confident win that will not return void (Isaiah 55:10-11). It may sit stagnant in the vault of your heart for a while, but God will pull it out, put it to use, and whisper it when you need it the most. It is there to rescue us, to testify for us, to encourage us, to comfort us, to empower us, to heal us, and to discipline us. And when we fail, He will use it to redeem us.

Friends, whatever temptation you are struggling with today, seek God’s Word. It may be new to you, or it may already be written on your heart, but He has provided a way for you to endure the temptation if you will seek Him, trust Him, and let Him fight your battle.

12 Words

When temptation whispers in your ear, let Truth whisper in your heart.

Lord God, I thank you for your Word that counsels, protects, teaches, and encourages me. Help me to hide Your Word in my heart so I can hear your voice of Truth when I am being tempted. Thank you, God, for loving me and making a way for me to find victory in my struggles. I rejoice in your name and give thanks for your faithfulness! Amen.

Scripture Reflection:
Psalm 119:9-16
Isaiah 55:8-13
Ephesians 6:10-17