Cup of Empowerment 5/14/12

Meditating on an encouraging scripture….. 

“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].” 1 Cor 10:13.

Isn’t it assuring to know that temptations sent our way have to be “common to man”? The Amplified translation reads that it has to be within our “human resistance.” The temptation cannot be a supernatural act from Satan to force us to sin or give up. We see that confirmed in Alcoholic Anonymous and similar meetings; that even without a personal relationship Jesus Christ, recognizing only a “higher power,” they are able to overcome since it’s still possible with “human resistance.”

Also notice that the verse does NOT say that God has put this on us! Of course He would not tempt us to sin, yet so many people say… ‘Well, God won’t put on us more that what we can handle.’ So they think God is beating them up with situations that either they opened themselves up to or the enemy has taken advantage of them in. (James 1:13, 14)

It does say that God, with every temptation, will make sure we have a way of escape…I like that!…so that we can have the victory!

One of the tricks of the enemy is to make us feel that we are the only ones dealing with this temptation, so that we pick up condemnation and feel defeated. No it says, It is COMMON to man…Hello! It is “common”…EVERYONE deals with it in some way or other! Jesus was tempted in every way, yet He did not sin. He went through this life as man, dealing with things as man, though He was God. (Phil 2)

God has given us weapons of our warfare that are for the overthrowing and destruction of strongholds! (2 Cor 10:3) “For the weapons of our warfare [are] not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.”

Ohhhhh, He has given us weapons, but WE have to use them! We have to cast down the imagination that goes against the word of God! Ohhhhh, WE have to bring our thoughts into captivity and not let them run wild (or read anything or watch anything we want)! Ohhhhh, WE need to discipline our flesh when it gets out of control! We have to guard our hearts!

Watch yourself to learn what your “trigger points” are. When you want to over eat, drink, or take pills, what is triggering that desire? If it’s sexual thoughts, what are you dwelling on? I had one woman tell me, “CarolMarie, I’m not dead!” That’s right, there is a part of us that keeps wanting to be resurrected when it should be dead. But God has given us a way of escape…and we have the ability to choose to take it!

Don’t wait to try to put out the fire when it blazing! Try not playing with matches in the first place. This is so much easier! Replace the craving with what is good. The Lord knows what we each need and what will work for us. And the Word of God always works! I write scriptures on 3×5 cards and carry them with me, to help me. It’s like taking my vitamins and building me up ahead of time so I can be strong!

We are not in this alone! We are all dealing with stuff, if we are living in this world and living in a human body! But He has given us a way of escape. Let’s take it and use it even before we are in a dangerous situation. If we feel the flames around us, He will still walk us out of it if we will trust Him and practice His principles…He’s provided the way of escape!

Then take one day at a time! We can handle each day…He gives us what we need!  

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day [is] the evil thereof.” Matt 6:33, 34.

Be ready to bring those areas into obedience…like fasting to bring the flesh in line. My body straightens right up when I take everything away, if it’s craving what’s not healthy! If I am dealing with negativity or depression, I fast TV and only allow my mind to receive what is uplifting and edifying, putting on worship music and teachings that keep me on track.

We are not singled out by the enemy or by God! God is not a respecter of persons and He has provided a way of escape for us all! Ohhhhh, I love that about Him! If it works for me. It will work for you too! He paved the way!

We are mighty in Him,
CarolMarie

He’s My Husband International
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