No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. 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 endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13
We have a local restaurant that I’m told has delicious coconut cream pie. Since it was Pi Day and my oldest had an orthodontist appointment, I figured that I’d order a pie to take into the office. The boys were having so much fun with the holiday, I figured that I might as well get into the spirit too!
There was a group in the restaurant eating when I stopped in to pick it up. They apparently had their eye on that coconut cream pie. The owner must’ve told them that it was spoken for, but what she didn’t tell them was that she had another one made for them to eat. She asked me to stop at the table to let them know that I was taking the pie. Sure, I’d play along! I ended up knowing someone in the group and after hugs, but much grumbling from the others at the table, I made a quick exit!
I got to thinking about how that group probably wasn’t even thinking about coconut cream pie until they saw it sitting there, then they couldn’t stop thinking about it. By the sounds of things, they just had to have it! I’m pretty sure it became worse when they thought it was gone.
Whether we’re facing a temptation to break a diet or another temptation that would lead us down the wrong path there are a few things to remember. First, we aren’t alone because others have faced the same temptation. Next, if a gun was pointed at us, we wouldn’t HAVE to give in to the temptation. Finally, God will give us the strength to get away from the temptation!
Today, keep what tempts you out of sight. If you are faced with it, remember the strength that’s inside of you. You have a choice! Those choices determine your future.
