It's Too Much!
- Alethea Skinner
- Aug 9, 2022
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 30, 2022
“There has 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 you are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it." (1 Corinthians 10:13) There is no experience of evil, no trial that I have received, that is uncommon to humans, but God is reliable, who will not leave me alone to be proven tested as we prove bread beyond what I have power to handle but will provide a way out with the experience so I will make it out.
In the preceding verses, Paul wrote about things that happen to all of us. When we find ourselves in the middle of a trial how often do we look for the thing God promised to provide with it—the way out? My own wail is “God, where are you? It's too much!” Like Peter on the water, I scream, “Master, save me!”
We want deliverance from our tests, but God does not promise that. He promises a way to escape so I would be able to bear the test. What? I still have to go through it? I do. It seems contradictory. There is a way out, but the way out is THROUGH the test. He sees me on the other side of it. Victorious. Just as He saw Peter feeding His sheep, after Peter failed his test and denied even knowing the Savior.
This verse, however, is not where it is without another purpose. It is in the middle of a talk about tests people failed and perished. The children of Israel had the same access to strength and spiritual sustenance—but they failed the same tests we face today: idolatry, fornication, tempting Christ (like our children try our patience by murmuring and complaining). They were destroyed by the thousands, and their stories were recorded to warn us.
Every person is tempted when his own desires and lust carry him away. We get trapped by our own lust and desires. Imagine that! But God promised that a way out of the trap was provided in the test! Do like Joseph and flee rather than like Eve and linger near forbidden territory. Recognize the danger and your vulnerability.
How quickly do we flee? Or say “no”? We tend to linger because we think we are strong enough. So, we are cautioned in verse 12: "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth, take heed lest he fall." Or, let those who think they are strong enough take heed lest they fail the test. Look for the way out—and take it!
Prayer: Father, when I am tempted to whine and complain about the tests I face, help me to remember your promise and look for the way out. And when I find it, give me strength to take it and walk free.
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