Satan has a tool he uses quite often and to great effect. He likes to get us to think that somehow our case is "different." We say, "Yes, God, I know that your Word usually applies, but in my case......"

Let's look at a familiar passage-

"But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. HE will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it. When you are tempted, HE will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it" (1Corinthians 10:13)

I would venture to say that every one of us has, on more than one occasion silently said, "that doesn't apply in this case." We believe God is wrong, because our particular temptation or area of struggle is just too much for us to overcome. Maybe we believe that we are too weak, too wicked, too unworthy for God's care to extend to us in overcoming the temptation. I agree with all those "too's." Look again, though, at what God's Word said. “God is faithful" I would put that this way, "God is too faithful to let something come against you without His supplying what you need to overcome it." HE didn't say you are faithful, HE said HE is! HE's al| powerful, all seeing, all present, all knowing, and HE loves you, if you are His child, with all His love. So do you believe HE is able to show you the way out of that temptation?

Next question- Do you think the particular temptation you're struggling with somehow falls outside the scope of man's experience and God's knowledge? The passage we are looking at is from Paul's letter to the church at Corinth. In this letter, Paul refers to: drunks, sex-addicts, same-sex relationships, idolatries, pride, anger, hatred, incest, greed, abusers, swindlers, prostitutes (male and female), etc., etc. If you read the whole letter, I don't believe you can honestly say that your particular temptation area is not included when he says, "the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience" You and I are covered and included.

I could go on a lot more about this passage, but I won't. You and I can read. We can understand the words of the verse we read. God (Who cannot lie) says our temptations are not unique to us. HE is faithful to us and to His Word. HE won't allow any temptation to come at us that is too strong for us to overcome with His help. HE will reveal to us a way out of it (them). The question to you, and to me, is, "How hard do we look?"

Jesus said, "Ask, and you shall receive. Seek, and you shall find. Knock, and it shall be opened to you." (Matthew 7:7) The language scholars tell us these words are in the tense that implies not one singular action, but one that continues. Don't give up and give in.

"Humble yourself before God, resist the Devil, and he will flee from you." (Hebrews 4:7) God is able and God is faithful. God loves you. HE is trying to teach you (and me) to lean continuously on Him and to grow strong in Him. This is for our blessing and our good. HANG IN THERE, GOD WILL SET YOU FREE!! We quote John 8 in saying "the truth shall set you free." Read it. In its context, it says, "if you continue in (stick with, hang on to) MY WORD, you shall know the TRUTH, and the truth shall SET YOU FREE!!!

READ HIS WORD, look for His ways. God bless you and keep you,

                               Ben