Read: 1 Corinthians 10:12-13
God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability. (v. 13)
Gettysburg was the decisive battle of America’s Civil War, yet nobody saw it coming. Neither army knew that the opposing force was even in the area. Neither commanding general had any idea, when they awoke that morning, July 1, 1863, that the decisive battle of the war was about to begin.
That’s the way it is in the battle with temptation—you never see it coming. When Peter boasted of his allegiance to Jesus—“Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away” (Matt. 26:33)—how could he have known that within hours, in the courtyard of the high priest, he would be put to the test? And how do you know what battles await you? If you knew that this very day you would be assaulted with a great temptation, that the decisive spiritual battle of your life would be waged, you could prepare yourself. But temptation doesn’t announce its arrival in advance. When the battle comes, the solemn fact is that you are either ready or not ready. It is too late to get ready.
The good news is that “God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape.” Commit that verse to memory. Ask God to help you withstand temptation. Don’t get complacent in your Christian walk. Rely on God’s promise, not on your own strength. —Lou Lotz
As you pray, ask God to make you strong in the hour of temptation.
About the Author
Rev. Lou Lotz is a recently retired Reformed Church pastor. Lou and his wife Mary Jean live in Hudsonville, Michigan.
