Understanding Your Vulnerability

In summary of 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 it says, “12 If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. 13 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.”

Bottom Line:

Don’t overestimate yourself and your ability to be strong always.  Be careful not to fall.  Temptations you face are no different than what others experience.  God is faithful, and will not allow you to be tempted beyond your control.  When you are tempted God will provide a way out, look for it and take it.  Then you can endure.

What this means to me:

This verse reminds me to not be overconfident in thinking that I'm standing strong or firm.  I need to be careful that I don’t fall.  The temptations that I experience are not exclusive to me.  They are the same ones that face everyone (I’m not unique or alone.)  God tells me He will not allow me to be tempted beyond my ability/power to resist.  God keeps his promises, I can trust in Him.  So when I’m tempted, He has also promised to provide a way of escape and the strength to endure it.  I need to keep in mind my vulnerabilities and work out ways ahead of time to protect myself.  God warns me to not get too cocky and overconfident about my ability to handle temptations.  The prophet Jeremiah said, "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure." (Jeremiah 17:9 NIV)  This means that I can be really good at fooling myself.  I must never let down my guard and think I’m beyond temptation and to not “carelessly place yourself in tempting situations. Avoid them." (Proverbs 14:16 TEV)  It's a lot easier to stay out of temptation than to get out of it. The Bible says, "Don't be so naive and self-confident. You're not exempt. You could fall flat on your face as easily as anyone else. Forget about self-confidence; it's useless. Cultivate God-confidence." (1 Corinthians 10:12 MSG)  I should always remember, "God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it." (1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT)