1 Corinthians 10:13-14 – “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. 14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.”  NASB

I can grasp the reality that it is impossible to include all the passages that would make up the whole context of this thought.  So, I insert this as a springboard for us to delve into the matter and hopefully propel us to further examination on our own.  I know many reading this are students of the Word of God.  You diligently search the Scriptures to see if what you have heard or read is true and I commend you because that is how it should be. If it is true and biblical, it will stand up under examination and if it doesn’t our views and interpretations Must be adapted to fit what will stand up in the Light!

I am concerned that too many in the Body of Christ are looking for a Rescue Mission rather than living the Normal Christian Life, waging Spiritual Warfare, and becoming able to Pull Down Strongholds.  I am reminded of the old gospel song, “Hold the Fort…”  Now before you become upset with me think about the image that the song presents. 

For me, and not necessarily anyone else, my mind pictures a Christian barely holding on and waiting in hiding behind the walls for the Spiritual Calvary to arrive just in the nick of time and rescue us.   There is no question that we have God’s promise that HE IS COMING!  He will fulfill that promise but, in the meantime, I understand His commission to be Occupy until He comes!  I understand it to include the promise that the weapons of our warfare are mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds. 

Let’s consider this passage briefly.  What is the Temptation Paul mentions?  I doubt that anyone could definitively say but with verse 14 one could consider idolatry as a possibility.  However, when I look at the Greek the word is ‘peirasmos’ and seems to indicate putting to proof by experiment, experience, solicitation, discipline, or provocation and is most assuredly adversity. 

Next, we notice the word Tempted – ‘periazo’ which implies testing objectively and even discipline.  To be tempted Above or Beyond that which we can stand is objectively drawing attention to something more than our ability.  We also see the word Escape ‘ekbasis’ which is without question an exit.  When we see the words Endure and to Bear ‘hupophero’.  We see that this is a situation where we are under and enduring.  It is being imposed upon us.  All of this Temptation, Trial, and Testing is something that is all too human and not something uncommon so even though it is horrific for us and trying it is not so unique that no one else has endured it.

My question is that no matter if it is our being ‘tempted’ to succumb to a ‘temptation’ or if it is a trial that seeks to shipwreck our faith and draw us away into some form of ‘idolatry’ do we need a Rescue Mission or an Infusing of Faith and Courage? If it is truly beyond our ability to stand God will provide us an exit strategy but sometimes, we seem to look for the exit too quickly when we should be Resisting the devil and watching him flee.

In no way do I mean this to be condemning or to suggest that I am somehow more spiritual than anyone else for I face the same things you do and am subject to the same ‘temptations’, ‘tests’, and ‘trials’.  I have failed more than I care to admit but I have always found God faithful.  I have stopped looking for a Rescue Mission and started asking for more Courage, Faith, and Determination!  I want God to be able to say to me as He did to Joshua and know that I will take it to heart and allow the Spirit of God to embolden me – “Be strong and very courageous.”  We have a War to win, a Battle to fight, and a Victory to enjoy!

God bless you as you go through your day!