By Manny Bustos

Have you ever been caught off guard by temptation? I have! The worst thing about being hit with temptation seemingly out of nowhere is t hat when you’re not prepared for it, it’s easy to give in to. We’re the most vulnerable when our guard is down. It is not uncommon for people to fall, even those who thought they never would.

Temptation is a given. It is guaranteed to happen. No person, regardless of age, gender, race, status, or title is exempt. So be ready!

Does that thought depress or discourage you? If so, read the promise found in 1 Corinthians 10:13 and be encouraged! Let’s look at that verse bit by bit.

First, whatever temptation you face, regardless of how seemingly insignificant or how vile it is, is common to man. You are not the first person to experience the temptation, and you most certainly won’t be the last. There are others out there who can relate to whatever is tempting you at any given moment.

One of the lies that the enemy throws at people is that their situation is unique, that no one else experiences the temptations they do, and that no one else could possibly understand. That is a lie that is meant to isolate you, and keep you from admitting your struggles to others. Don’t believe it!

Second, God is faithful. The Greek word, “pistos” which is translated as “faithful” in the verse above means “worthy to be believed, trustworthy.” So God is trustworthy. We can take him at his word, and believe him with 100% certainty. You can count on him to be there for you, even at your lowest moment. How reassuring that is!

Third, the thing that God is faithful to do is to hold back any temptation that is more than you can bear. He knows your strengths and your weaknesses. He knows your exact threshold for temptation, and will never, ever allow the enemy to throw more your way than you can bear.

Fourth, with every temptation, God will provide a way out. He’s provided an escape route for every conceivable temptation you could ever possibly experience. Have you ever been tempted to do something and right at that time, the phone rang, or there was some other interruption that kept you from doing the very thing you were tempted to do?

Other times, the way of escape may simply be walking away from the situation.  The most encouraging thing is that God is for you! He wants you to walk in victory over sin and temptation, and he is there, ready and willing to assist you. Take advantage of his assistance and walk in a new level of victory today!