As a reminder our supporting text for last and this blog is I Cor. 10:13: No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. 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 stand up under it.I would like us to look more closely at the first sentence in this verse: “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man”. This in itself is telling you that whatever you are going through is something that is natural or likely or expected to happen to us. What you are going through is not unusual, neither is it something reserved for a super human or an angel. As this verse continues to say: – And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. Yes the most important thing to remember is that –God is faithful- – “an evidence of his nature comes into play- “faithfulness.” What is He faithful about? He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. So even if it looks like you are going under, you won’t. God will step in and uphold you so you keep standing. This is what Paul meant when he continued to say: But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.Let us listen to Paul as he recounted his own story – II Cor. 12:8-9: For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Do you understand? God’s Grace is sufficient! In other words, God has already given to you what you need to be successful in life.
There are multiple individuals who have been through what you are perhaps dealing with and we see the evidence that they have overcome. There was a mother just like you, who also had to raise her children with no father and minimal resources, today she is standing triumphant a recipient of God’s grace.
There is another mother who somewhere along the way- lost her job-had to be on public assistant, she survived, because she was a recipient of God’s grace today she has a job and children are grown and doing well
There is a mother: who felt left out and inadequate in her skills of motherhood, who lived from hand to mouth, many days having barely enough to make a decent meal and was not qualified for any help, but she made it by God’s grace. Yes there is a mother who dealt with a child who was bullied and laughed at in school. There is a mother whose child was incarcerated- whether for drugs, assault, robbery or murder or from being framed. There is a mother whose child or children dropped out of school, refused to go to college, strung out on drugs; there is a mother whose child disrespected her, who went around getting girls pregnant and not assuming responsibility for these children and as the grandmother was left to pick up the pieces, but today she is still standing by God’s Grace.
Yes there is a mother somewhere whose child has turned to an alternative lifestyle, yes there is a mother who has had the experience of their child battling with a serious illness, in and out of the hospital and does not know what it is to have a normal life. Oh yes there is a mother who has a child who she cares for daily and He is unable to communicate with her, have normal conversations with her. Oh yes somewhere out there is another mother who have suffered the sudden loss of a child or two and with it her hopes and dreams for them, but she overcame, somewhat battered but is still standing. These individuals survived by the Grace of God. So will you, so will I.
So as I tell you I also tell myself God‘s grace is sufficient and His strength is made perfect in yours and my weakness. I want us to remember that He is a faithful, Immutable and loving God who wants to see you and I prosper.
My charge to you and I today- is be encouraged, keep on PUSHING and rely on the evidence that we know works- God is Faithful.
In His Service,
Vilma