“Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”

After stating that the Israelites’ disobedience to the Lord was written down for our instruction and warning, Paul writes the verses quoted above. Take note (at least) a few things.

First, note that we must continually beware of falling. Not only that, but we must beware of falling in response to some normal, run-of-the-mill temptation. Nothing fancy is needed to bring us down. We need only to relax our mindset for a bit and we will soon find ourselves on a slippery slope. If we think we stand firm, we must continually take heed, lest we fall.

Second, we must believe the promise found in verse 13. God is faithful and He will not us be tempted beyond our ability, but with the temptation, He will also provide the way of escape, that we may be able to endure it. Do we believe this? Really, when push comes to shove, do we believe it? When things aren’t going our way, is our first response to believe that we have the power to remain at peace and to face whatever the circumstances with joy? I hope so, because that is reality.

Maybe over half the battle against sin is won by the sheer belief that we have the ability to win the battle. If one goes into war believing that the enemy is too strong for him, he is bound to lose. But if he goes into war understanding and believing that he can win the battle, his chances naturally rise (a great deal nonetheless). As it relates to the believer at war against his own sin, if one understands and believes that the Lord is on his side, that the power of the Holy Spirit is within him, and that the Lord has promised to so order his circumstances that by His grace one can face anything, his chances of victory are virtually assured.

Do you realize today, believer, that you have the spiritual resources to face whatever the Lord might bring your way. Beware of exalting the power of sin over the power of the Holy Spirit! So you didn’t get a great night’s rest, huh? The Holy Spirit is bigger and stronger than that. So things haven’t gone your way today and you are wiped out. Well, weariness is still no excuse for sin, because God is faithful. The Holy Spirit is yours and the circumstances you face right now have been ordered by a wise and faithful Creator who promises to give you no more than you can handle with His strength. Oh, let us meditate upon such truth until we believe it. And let us do so everyday.

What a joy it is to know that we have the resources to face whatever the Lord ordains for us! What victory is ours through Christ Jesus. Let us rejoice and let us believe.