Still There January 18, 2016

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.  1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV

 I have read this verse many times and claimed it many more over the years, but today one small word jumped out at me. . ."endure".   Some times when I cross-reference a particular verse with other translations, will put a slightly, or even dramatically, different take or emphasis on a particular phrase or word.  Not in this case.  In all the translations I checked, either "endure" or "bear" was used.  Each translation left the reader that temptation was a heavy load.

In the past when I have read today's verse, I have supposed that when tempted, we just had to claim one of God's promises and almost like magic said temptation would vanish.

Claim Philippians 4:8 and all lustful thoughts would magically disappear.
Grab on to Matthew 6:25-26.  No more worries about the economy.
Proverbs 22:6 will cure those sleepless nights because of a wayward child.

However, "endure" speaks to a continuing battle with temptation.  To "bear" paints a picture of a continuing load or burden.  Temptation is not a one-and-done affair.  Satan is not easily dissuaded.  His patience is one borne of thousands of years.  His craft honed over the millenia.  

God promises we can escape temptation, not that the temptation will never return.  We will have the strength to endure temptation, not the luxury to avoid it.  Be careful of the hubris that can creep in after a success temptation victory.  Never think we are above once again committing those sins that have haunted our past.  

Bulk up on Bible reading.  Strengthen your resolve.  Be always vigilant.  This side of heaven, temptation will be a daily, perhaps even hourly, part of our lives.