when we are tempted

First Corinthians 10.13 is a well known passage that encourages us when we face temptation and trial.  The Apostle Paul reminds us, 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.  This is a verse that young Christians are often given to memorize as a reminder that sin does not have to have the last word in our walks with Christ.  But it's about more than the standard lists of sins we often hear about.  It's about knowing that no matter what we might face, God is with us, enabling us to bear up under trial and providing a way out when we are tempted.


I'm sure in that walk up the mountain in Genesis 22, Abraham was tempted with each step to turn back.  He had Isaac, the promised child.  Would it be so wrong of him to hold onto him, even at the risk of disobeying God?  Maybe he wasn't hearing God's voice, after all.  Maybe he wanted to shout out at God, "This isn't fair!"  All of us can identify with these thoughts and others like them when we are facing trial and temptation.


Of course, we don't know what Abraham struggled with or what he thought about on his way up the mountain to sacrifice his only son.  But we can know that God was with him all the way.  And from that, we can know that God walks with us in our challenges, difficulties and pain, as well.  In addition, not only do we have the faith of Abraham to guide us, we have the example of Christ.  Hebrews 2.18 speaks of Christ, saying, Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.  


I pray that whatever challenges you are facing this day or this week, you will know beyond a shadow of a doubt that Christ walks with you and is there to help you when you are tempted.  Amen.