Turning Over Temptation

The Bible assures us that "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).

But how does that work?  Are we to expect a nudge on the shoulder and a shaft of light, pointing to the way out?  Will God indeed simply manifest a way around, over or through the temptation before us?  Are we passive participants, simply moved past the point of temptation?  No, we are not bystanders in the battle with temptation, simply waiting for God to pluck us out of harm's way; "Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh" (Rom 13:14).

God's act of providing the means to overcome temptation begins before the temptation arrives.  He provides us the Word and the Spirit of Christ with which we are to be immersed so that when the temptation is before us, God's power is with us.  When we saturate our minds with the Word of God, we have an inner standard that serves to point out destructive behavior.  And, when we seek after the Spirit of Christ, clothing ourselves with him, we have the inner power to turn away from that behavior, regardless of its pull on our flesh.

God does not promise to lift us above the fray or take us out of the battle.  Instead, he calls us turn to him in our brokenness and in the overburden of spiritual warfare for the strength and understanding, which allow us to overcome: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light" (Mt 11:28-30).

Notice the injunction to "Turn and Learn" in the passage above as we come to him and learn from hm.  As we turn away from our own desires and understandings to the Lord, we receive the cover of His presence and the power which comes from His Spirit.  Temptation loses its power when we are focused on the power and presence of God.  Jus' Say'n.