Do you think you stand?

Are we getting a bit full of ourselves??? Has pride taken over our Christian walk??? How about a confidence that we can handle anything that comes our way??? True, confidence is a good thing in the right respects, as long as we glory or brag on ourselves.

The verses that come to mind on this subject are found in 1 Corinthians 10:12 & 13 (KJV)..."Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. (13) There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."

Obviously, in this passage we are warned about being too proud of ourselves. It's at times of self-reliance that we allow the doors to be opened in our life to outside influences we wouldn't normally allow. In other words, we let our guard down. Verse 13 does give us a hope in the Lord that no matter what comes our way, it is not going to be something that only you have faced. Temptations are common to man (everyone) and with the temptations we face, God has promised to be faithful and also will make a way to escape from that temptation.

I like the way the Amplified Bible translates the passage..."Therefore let anyone who thinks he stands [who feels sure that he has a steadfast mind and is standing firm], take heed lest he fall [into sin]. (13) For no temptation (no trial regarded as enticing to sin), [no matter how it comes or where it leads] has overtaken you and laid hold on you that is not common to man [that is, no temptation or trial has come to you that is beyond human resistance and that is not adjusted and adapted and belonging to human experience, and such as man can bear]. But God is faithful [to His Word and to His compassionate nature], and He [can be trusted] not to let you be tempted and tried and assayed beyond your ability and strength of resistance and power to endure, but with the temptation He will [always] also provide the way out (the means of escape to a landing place), that you may be capable and strong and powerful to bear up under it patiently."

I love how it states He will ALWAYS provide a way out, which He will. And, its great to know that we will have a means of escape to a landing place. Do you have a safe landing place apart from God??? Are you too dependent upon self to make all decisions??? Are you willing to turn and ask the Lord for help turning from your temptations???

Read the passage again in both translations...read the version you feel comfortable with. Pray that the Lord will give you strength to fight through the temptations you face. Ask for His place of safe landing to be made evident.

Please let me know if you have a special prayer request I can word on your behalf today!!!