“… 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 …” – 1 Corinthians 10:13.
This world is filled with temptations. The three noted at the beginning of 1 Corinthians are the same main temptations we deal with today – idolatry, immorality and grumbling and complaining (reflecting unbelief in God’s promises). Paul somewhat jarringly reminds us that the people of Israel who gave in to these temptations were “destroyed”; he tells us that what happened to them was “an example … written for our instruction.” Giving in to temptation has serious consequences, as all of us who are on this faith journey can attest — we’ve seen it all around us and in our own lives. Paul tells us to “flee from idolatry” and to “flee immorality” – and God promises to always provide a way for us to escape.
At Sun Devil Stadium a few weeks ago we heard Kanye West describe his battle with alcoholism, and his decision one day to look at the liquor available to him and say: “Devil, you are not going to beat me today!” Whatever you are battling today, remember that yesterday’s decision does not control today’s outcome. Choose life, choose faith, choose Christ today!