10:13

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

 

I read this little opening to a “quote/devo” yesterday…

You’re not sure how much longer you can hang on. You’re in the middle of a trial, desperately needing some encouragement.

Someone quotes you 1 Corinthians 10:13. Although the verse is talking about temptations and how God will provide a way out, they make this statement.

“You know, God will never give you more than you can handle.”

And you wonder, what is the matter with me then?

 

You too have felt that way before right? I have.

 

And when you are in the “middle of it” the last thing you REALLY want to hear is someone “rotely quoting” that little passage.

 

At least that is me.

 

But I will be honest, I am guilty of doing the same thing when my friends come seeking some sympathy, empathy or just an ear during a time of trial or pressure in their lives.  I often pull out the old trusty 1 Corinthians 10:13 and serve it up. 

 

But in my defense, I often quote Peterson’s version which seems to bring a little more “to the table” for the hurting in my mind.

 

No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (MSG)

 

At least Peterson makes it better by reminding us of some CRUCIAL stuff when faced with those “tests and temptations”.

 

That we are not alone in having “them” happen. 

That is good to know.  Right?

No one is immune to the trials and tribulations of life. – Lawrence

 

That others have been there, done that, emerged from it and have the clichéd T-shirt.  So there is contextual help out there to help us manage through it.  We just have to be willing to seek it and trust GOD to help us find it!

We can come boldly before God’s throne of grace and stay there to receive His mercy that empowers us when we are in need. - Hebrews 4:16 TPT

 

And then Peterson does the GREAT job of reminding us what else GOD does in the challenges.

Never leaves.

Never lets us down.

Never lets it overwhelm.

Never quits at being available for prayer, help, comfort, care, peace, direction, guidance, and hope.

 

Whew…!

 

So take heart.

While sometime we don’t want to hear the truth of 10:13, aren’t you glad FOR the truth that is 10:13?  I am!

For when those “tried” trials and those “not so new” temptations come sauntering up looking to derail life like they do, the truth of that passage is usually just enough to help us remember that GOD hasn’t gone napping that He is still engaged and He has our back.

 

Remember friends…

“Deep, contented joy comes from a place of complete security and confidence [in God] - even in the midst of trial.” ― Charles R. Swindoll

I love you all…

Opportunities for Hope (Champions Charge)