No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. 1 Cor 10:13

There are some people that you just never forget because of the impact they had in your life. Aunt Ethel Nyathi is a wonderful woman of God who has been involved with Scripture Union for decades now. It was through her work with Scripture Union that I gave my life to Jesus on 17 August 1987 out at Rowallan Park in the Matopos. She drummed Scripture into us and this is one of the verses I will always associate with her and it has stayed with me ever since, a powerful promise that carries us whenever we face temptation.

There are 3 aspects to it. Firstly, when you are tempted, know that you are not the only one and that there are others who have faced or are facing or indeed will face something similar. Sometimes you will feel overwhelmed and isolated because you can’t understand why you are going through such. Take courage, what you are going through is nothing new. Secondly a declaration of God’s faithfulness and a promise that he won’t allow you to be tempted more than what you can handle. Whatever it is, it’s always bearable. Again take courage. Finally, God will always provide a way out. You’re never trapped.

Remember the devil’s plan is to bring you down by getting you to sin and then feel bad about yourself and be mad at God. God allows evil to interact with us so that we can learn to stand strong (Eph 6:11), to resist the devil (James 4:7), to fight against evil (2 Cor 10:3-5), to be watchful (1 Pet 5:8) and to flee from evil desires (2 Tim 2:22).

Today, why don’t you choose any of these passages to memorise and internalise and then thank God for his faithfulness as portrayed in our main passage. Pray into any situation of temptation you are currently facing and pray a prayer of thanksgiving and thus wage war (yes thanksgiving is a mighty weapon). Pray through our main passage and thank God for each of the 3 aspects of temptation. Declare them over your current situation. God is faithful!

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