Assurance of Deliverance
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. 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 stand up under it. 1st Corinthians 10:12
For each person there is a besetting sin. But for those of us who suffer from sexual addictions and compulsions, the lust of the eyes is one is the most tempting to us. Sometime we may convince ourselves that we are unable to resist the temptation placed before us. For many years, I would try to resist sexual temptation–only to fail miserably. But I have learned, as have my friends in the Purity Project, that we can overcome temptation! Satan only wants us to believe that we can’t. The truth is that none of us can resist the temptation unless we are willing to let God do it. He tells us how he’ll do it in this scripture.
We face only common temptations.
Of all people, I understand that sometimes we may think that it’s impossible to resist temptation; but, God has promised us that we’ll face no temptation except “what is common to man.” Think about it, none of us need worry about that the devil will somehow bring a temptation that we are totally unable to handle–because God, in his mercy does not allow it. The only temptations we must face are the common ones. God does not allow the full force of Satan to come against us. What may seem like a unconquerable temptation is really only a common one!
God promises to provide a way out.
While the book of James 1:13 says that God cannot be tempted and that He does not tempt anyone, the Bible teaches that he allows us to be tempted so that our faith can be refined. God knows when each of us face temptation and he has promised us that He will provide us a way out.
For many years, when I was tempted, I never thought about looking for a way out. I would find myself giving in to temptation and then crying out for help. But God is ready to help us at the very moment temptation comes before us. When we look to him, we will not have to fall at all.
The “way out” that God provides may seem rather ordinary. But being delivered from sin and temptation in an ordinary way is just a wonderful as a supernatural way. One of the ways that I learned to avoid temptation was to attend Christ centered recovery meetings held at a nearby church. Another way out that God provided me was bringing a strong Christian in my life to be my accountability partner. The Church, and my accountability partner, helped me to learn many new ways to keep from falling. In a rather short time, I was living a life of victory that had eluded me for 15 years.
God helps us “stand up under it.”
A final thought I’d like to share has to do with the phrase: so that you can stand up under it. This phrase can have two meanings. One meaning is that God will provide a way of escape to help us stand up under the temptation. Another meaning is that when we face some heavy burden, that is not easily walked away from, that God will provide us with the strength we need to help us to stand up under it. It is very similar to the meaning of this beautiful scripture in Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
As you face what may seem like an irresistible sexual temptation, remember that God is hoping you’ll open your eyes and look for his help. If you look to him for help, it will be like he’s pointing his finger in the direction you should go. If you’ll look, you’ll see that he’s provided you with a very obvious way of escape. My prayer is that you’ll take it.
And for those of you who are suffering, perhaps the just rewards, from your previous disobedience; just remember, that even in this moment of trial, however painful it may be, God has promised has promised to help you so that you can stand up under it.
