A Sun & Shield!
November 11th, 2008
Scripture:
“No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide a way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13
Observation:
1. There are others who are facing or have faced my same temptations — they are common to man. 2. The temptation that comes my way from Satan and the things of this world are filtered through God who won’t allow more to come my way than I can handle. 3. There is always an escape route!
1. There are others who are facing or have faced my same temptations — they are common to man. 2. The temptation that comes my way from Satan and the things of this world are filtered through God who won’t allow more to come my way than I can handle. 3. There is always an escape route!
Application:
For a long time, I was ashamed and embarrassed to talk with others about the temptations that I faced. I believed the accusations of Satan that I was the only one who had the problems that I did. Praise God that is not the truth. This Scripture reminds me even now that I am not alone in my temptation. Satan is no respecter of persons. He attacks and schemes against all. He desires to steal, kill and destroy everyone. I take courage in the fact that God is faithful, and that others have gone before me and through the strength and grace of God have overcome the same temptations that are common to man and common to me. Praise God also for the truth here that says he limits what comes my way. There are times when I feel completely overwhelmed with the temptation coming at me, but it is only what God allows. Just another reminder how God is a shield about me! Psalm 84:11 says, “For the Lord God is a sun and shield!” Not only is He a shield for me, but He is the sun — who shines light on an escape route in the midst of dark temptation. It is up to me to make the decision to run out of the darkness and into the light. He won’t force me to choose, but He is always faithful to show the way. Awesome!
For a long time, I was ashamed and embarrassed to talk with others about the temptations that I faced. I believed the accusations of Satan that I was the only one who had the problems that I did. Praise God that is not the truth. This Scripture reminds me even now that I am not alone in my temptation. Satan is no respecter of persons. He attacks and schemes against all. He desires to steal, kill and destroy everyone. I take courage in the fact that God is faithful, and that others have gone before me and through the strength and grace of God have overcome the same temptations that are common to man and common to me. Praise God also for the truth here that says he limits what comes my way. There are times when I feel completely overwhelmed with the temptation coming at me, but it is only what God allows. Just another reminder how God is a shield about me! Psalm 84:11 says, “For the Lord God is a sun and shield!” Not only is He a shield for me, but He is the sun — who shines light on an escape route in the midst of dark temptation. It is up to me to make the decision to run out of the darkness and into the light. He won’t force me to choose, but He is always faithful to show the way. Awesome!
Prayer:
“My heart is filled with gratitude this morning as I think about how You have been faithful to me even in all of my unfaithfulness. You have never closed off the escape route. You have beckoned me to run to You and to find my delight in You. May my heart, mind and eyes be on You alone — always! When temptation attacks violently or subtly, may I have a holy awareness and eyes to see the escape route. Use me as a testimony to others who face the same temptations. Use my failures and my victories to speak truth into their lives. Remind me of this verse when temptation comes. Remind me of Galatians 4:9 — let my ask that question of myself in that moment. Thank you for the truth of Your word and the power of it! I rest in You today.
— Jason Elam, worship pastor