Fighting TemptationSample

Caution & Courage

1 Corinthians 10:12-13 tells us a couple of important things about temptation.

First, we're never more in danger than when we're feeling confident about our ability to handle it.

The minute we think we're okay, we're in particular danger. I can't tell you how many times I've seen someone say that they would never fall into a particular sin and then later sin in that exact area.

We're always in danger, but particularly when we think we're not.

The second truth of this passage is good news:

God will always provide a way for believers to escape temptation so that they can endure it. He will never allow a temptation so powerful that it's guaranteed to overwhelm us. He always offers us His help and a way to escape so that we don't have to fall into that sin.

Think about what this means.

When Paul says that God is faithful, it means that we can rely on Him in temptation. Let Him be the first one you turn to when you're facing a temptation you can't handle on your own.

That said, I know I’m often ashamed to ask for His help.

Maybe that’s a guy thing. Don’t be like that! Run to Him, because He’s ready to help you. Jesus knows how much you can endure. Rely on Him and not your own strength.

He's got you.

Then, look for a way to escape. He always provides one. It’s not like an escape room, either. You won’t have to solve a puzzle to exit. He'll give you a clear way out. Pray to Him and then act when He shows you what that way out is.

I love this passage because it gives us both caution and courage. We need to be cautious around temptation. We can never feel overconfident, but with God's help, we can find courage and a way of escape as we turn to Him in our moment of need.

Prayer: Lord, help me be a man of both caution and courage when battling temptation. Give me the strength to come to You when I need help. Amen.

Reflection: How can you foster both caution and courage in your battle with temptation?