No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 We are all dealing with the same human framework. Everything we encounter—the lust of the eyes, depression, distraction—has been experienced by others before, and God has an amazing track record of helping His people. We aren't idealistic about this earthly life. God's Word prepares us for what to expect: "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you" (1 Peter 4:12). But we do need to understand the deliverance power of God: "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all" (Psalm 34:19).

"Fight the good fight of faith" (1 Timothy 6:12a). Fighting the good fight implies that we will encounter obstacles in this life; yet God has given us power to overcome everything that comes our way. He is faithful to His Word and His compassionate nature; with every temptation He has a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13b AMP). We stand firm against the schemes of the devil and take up the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:11). God is right here with us, showing us how to navigate where we have never been before. He makes a roadway in the wilderness (Isaiah 43:19).

I want the whole world to understand Jesus as more than just a great teacher and realize the power that is available through Him. The Word of God is alive and powerful (Hebrews 4:12). We overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony (Revelation 12:11). The Word fills us up so we can have strength to fight the good fight—and win! Delve into the Word and prayer daily. This response to the attacks of the enemy is so simple an answer; yet every day we must ignore our flesh and get with God.

We shake off heaviness and choose to worship God, pressing into the life of faith and the purpose for which we've been set apart.

Press On!
Pastor Jeff





© 2007 St. Louis Family Church. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reprinted or distributed in any form without prior written permission of St. Louis Family Church. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973,
1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.