1 Corinthians 10: 13 “There hath no temptation taken you but such is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above what you are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
A New Year starts, with untrodden time and events looming ahead of all of us. For me this is inviting, because the year is not experienced yet, which gives to me for the most part, the expectation of happy and rewarding times; which may be totally unrealistic, but somewhat helpful toward making future life happy and rewarding.
The future within 2017, can only be a personal expectation, dependent upon past experiences, attitudes, expectations, health, personal beliefs and mind-set as well as individual practices, combined with/ or those of close significant others; unchangeable, surrounding people and circumstances; possible intruders or government, and always the unpredictable, unexpected happening/change to life experience or circumstances.
It is often hard to admit, or accept, that right or wrong choices on our part have greatly impacted what happened to us, and how I felt about what had happened. Sometimes and for some more often than others, everything is viewed in a negative light or bitterness is retained, and another or even God is blamed for what is happening to our body or life in general. When it in hindsight it can be correctly said, we ‘have bought it upon ourselves’; after time passes or when we are honest, it is so good to admit we were or are in the wrong and make it right with another or plain just change our ways. Life becomes much more positive. Improved happiness prospects, can be as simple as not giving into big or small temptation or continuing in practices that harm my body and/or mind (including conscience) or another person of any age.
The opening text not only tells us that all mankind is subject to temptation, but because God is faithful toward us, He allows no temptation to be presented by the devil to us, that is beyond our ability to withstand. So none of us can say I just could not help myself, the temptation was too strong! The scriptures also tell me that temptation will many times over take us, especially if we keep near it or dally with the idea long enough, for we are born subject to sinning, and should not put too much confidence in our ability to withstand, when it is ‘right under our nose’, so to speak. 1 Corinthians 10: 13 “Wherefore let him that thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.”
God has provided us a way out for He does not want us to sin or do anything that is not good for us or another person, V 13, last part “but with temptation also made a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” God goes even further, for when I have been overtaken by temptation and committed sins, His answer is, Isaiah 38 : 17” Behold, for peace I had great bitterness: but thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption; for thous hast cast all my sins behind thy back.” Surely to heed these words can only improve my chances in the coming year, of being happy, as well as how to stop ‘beating myself up’ because I have done something wrong, because God has provided a way out.
I am comforted that however I feel or my condition or situation God knows and helps, Jeremiah 31: 25” For I have satiated the weary soul, and I have replenished every sorrowful soul.” As I look toward the New Year, I remember the promises of God and take courage that I do not go alone, in whatever circumstance that occurs or overtakes me. Deuteronomy 31: 8”And the Lord, He is the one, who goes before you, he will be with you, he will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear not be dismayed.”