All Temptation Common to Man (1 Corinthians 10:13)

“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13 NKJV)

Is there any meaning and purpose in sufferings in our lives? Or, are temptations in our lives just unfortunate and unlucky? Yes, there is clear meaning and purpose in our sufferings, every bit of temptations in our lives. No, the sufferings in our lives are not unfortunate nor unlucky. Paul exhorts us to rejoice in our sufferings because the love of God shed abroad by the Spirit (Romans 5:3-5). Behind the tribulations and difficulties, there is God who knows us from the beginning that how much we can take. Read Job to see how God allows the sufferings for him and constraints the power of the devil.

When we are tempted and tried, we immediately protest, saying “Why it is happened to me?” It is so easy to tend to think that I am the most suffering person in the world. But it is not true, says the scripture. All temptations are common to man. No trials come to man, which he cannot take. How do we know? It is because God is faithful and knows what we can take. So, God does not allow us to be tempted beyond what we are able. Furthermore, in the midst of temptations God will also make the way of escape. Our God is compassionate and merciful. Our God is faithful and just. In Him, there is no variation or shadow of turning (James 1:17).

What a comfort! What a confidence? God chastens and disciplines us out of love and grace (Hebrews 12:6-8). The trials and temptations are designed for our instructions to grasp the mysteries of life. We can’t see the whole picture, the depth, the height, the width, the length hidden in God who sees all things. So, we trust and live by faith on the foundation of truth, Christ Jesus. Walk in Christ daily and give thanks for everything. There is no confusion or uncertainty in Christ because there is no darkness but light in Him.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

And lean not on your own understanding;

In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He shall direct your paths.” (Proverb 3:5-6 NKJV)