A Way out of Temptation

11These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come. 12So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! 13No temptation^c has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted^d beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted,^e he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:11-13)

Thoughts: Paul said there are examples and warning written in scripture to keep us from falling into temptation.  Specifically, we are to be careful lest we think we are somehow invulnerable to sin.  
    Verse 13 is a classic verse that helps us understand temptation, sin, and how to resist temptation.  Let's break it down:
1) No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind.   In other words, do not think that you are facing a greater temptation than anyone else has ever faced.  Others have been here before... and have resisted. 
2) God is faithful and will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.
God is faithfully and mercifully looking down on your situation and will limit your temptation.  Paul knew this from experience.  He had been thrown to lions, stoned, left for dead, ship wrecked.  Yet God helped him through.  One cynic once told me about this  verse, "You Christians can't lose.  God will not let you be tempted beyond what you are able.. until you die."  What he did not understand is that death is not the end for us.  It is for him- his temptations stop at death.  Ours do too, but our life goes on- and temptations do not matter in the other world.  Who worries about not having enough in heaven?  Who worries about the future there?  Who worries about safety on the other side?   God helps us in this life and saves us for the next.
3) But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.  God makes a way of escape.  Sometimes you feel like you have to give in to temptation in order to just survive.  But this reminds us that doing the right thing... is the right thing.  If we look for it, and wait for it, God provides a way out.  This does not mean that it is always a comfortable way.  But sometimes our comfort is not most important.
Temptation is a part of life.  Resisting temptation can also be a major part of the Christian life. 

Prayer: Lord, do not let me be led into temptation.  Help me to resist- show me readily the way for me.