1 Corinthians 10:13 part 1

This week we've been working on our feeding schedule and the logistics of having a "tubie" (child with a feeding tube). There's not a lot of new things to report, so I thought I'd switch things up for today's post and share a devotional I've been working on.

I'm going to dissect my favorite verse because it reminds me that regardless of my situation in life, God has a plan and the strength I don't. We all deal with our own challenges. I know I'm in a season of trials, so it feels especially relevant and close to my heart. I want to encourage us that God has seen the problem, found the solution, and will guide us through it. We'll look at what the verse says and doesn't say, what that means for us, and how we can apply it in our daily walk with the Lord. It's both a challenge and a source of hope that I've been wrestling with and thought I'd share with you.

1 Corinthians 10:13

"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with your temptation he will also provide the way of escape that you may be able to endure it."

Let's look at what this verse says and what it doesn't.

It doesn't say temptation is rare - it is "common to man." It happens frequently, and to lots of people. I'm not alone in my struggles and they aren't a sign of weakness. This is also a good reminder that anything we deal with won't be a surprise to God. He's seen it all, and it's normal to struggle.

It doesn't say you won't be tempted - but that "it won't go beyond your ability." This tells us that God places limits on what you will endure. This doesn't mean it will be easy. Using the word endurance suggests struggle will be a huge part of it. The Bible is clear that living for Christ isn't about comfort, but God's all-knowing wisdom and power are ultimately in control.

We may not agree with God's ideas of our limitations. I know sometimes I feel like there's no way I'm strong enough. When I climbed in for my second ambulance ride with my tiny baby, not knowing why her oxygen levels were so dangerously low, I didn't know how I was going to be able to stay strong for her. I was tempted to give in to doubt and fear. But God has a plan, and that's what I reminded myself. Trusting this provides a sense of peace even when we don't know what will happen next. It also gives us the opportunity to grow. In that way, this verse can be applied not only to temptation, but to our trials as well.

One of my favorite examples of growth from nature is the oak tree. When an oak is exposed to wind, it cracks the bark. These cracks then heal and increase the strength of the whole tree. This allows the oak to grow taller and stronger than before, and it can handle even stronger winds. When you see a tall oak, it only got there through brokenness. This is a picture of what happens to us when we are tried.

Keeping trials and temptation in mind, the verse also doesn't say we can face it on our own - in fact, we can't rely on our own strength. This makes it clear that "he will also provide the way of escape." The only way to find our way through is to look to God for guidance. We can do this by talking to Him through prayer, reading and memorizing scripture, and surrounding ourselves with encouraging community.

Your path may not look like the path you'd choose for yourself. I never imagined one of my children would have so many medical complications. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I wouldn't be able to nurse my baby, or that she wouldn't be able to eat anything through by mouth and need a feeding tube.

When 1 Corinthians 10:13 says that God is providing the way to escape, it's building this idea that God's plan is already in place and He is showing us the way by walking with us through our struggles. We get to lean on that instead of having to make it on our own, which is good news for me. I know I don't have it all figured out, but I can have confidence that all of it has a purpose.

Our verse doesn't say that God will do everything for you - he gives you the path, but it's up to you to follow it. You can't sit idly by waiting for the storm to pass, you have to participate.

This isn't an easy thing, and it won't be painless. But we can endure it because our strength comes from God.

This verse creates a picture of having valid struggles, real battles and trials and temptations, and a God who holds you close and lifts you up as you face it. He shows you the way with gentle strength. When we lean into that we can find peace and endurance we don't have on our own. Reminding myself of these things is a huge source of comfort for myself, and I hope it encourages you too.

Gracious Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word which guides our daily walk. Thank you for giving us verses like 1 Corinthians 10:13 which challenge us to face our temptations and trials by relying on Your strength. Please help us remember to lean on you and not rely on our own strength regardless of what comes our way. Through it all, you are good, and we praise you. Amen.