Keep Standing!

1 Cor 10:13
13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. 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 stand up under it. –NIV

Nobody likes to go through difficult or hard times but the truth is that no one lives a completely trial free life and seasons of hardship can actually mature and develop our faith in God

James 1:2-5
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. – NIV

Real quick, 3 things Paul reminds us about overcoming trials/temptations…

#1 Common to Man –
DO NOT face trails/temptations alone! Others before us have faced similar trials and great strength is available for us if we will open up our lives to others
2 Cor 1:3-5
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. –NIV

#2 God is Faithful-
You will never know the full measure of God’s grace until you have come to the end of yourself. Allow your temptations/trials to cause you to draw closer to God and lean into Him
2 Cor 12:9-10
9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. – NIV

#3 Always a Way Out-
If we will trust the Lord and not abandon ship He always works for our good.
Rom 8:28-29
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. –NIV
God’s way isn’t always our way but He always provides a way out. Expect God’s strength and His deliverance. Are you feeling tempted? Are you facing trials?

I encourage you today to take God at His Word and KEEP STANDING!
Eph 6:13-14
13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. – NIV

Blessings,
Darren