Bible Reading: Psalm 139-141; 1 Corinthians 10:1-13.
Memory Verse: “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 (KJV).
Joseph was tempted by Potiphar’s wife but God made a way of escape for him such that he was able to run outside the house and thus did not sin against God. Joseph had the options of sleeping with Mrs Potiphar or running away (Gen 39:7-12). Analyzing the options available to him, it was apparently easier and more “rewarding” in the short term to sleep with Mrs Portiphar as she would take care of him but he would sin against God! The second option which he took was difficult with a lot of risk and we saw one of the risks crystalizing as he was sent to jail. It’s important to note that the way of escape available to Joseph, which he chose is not the easier path. Indeed, it is the tortuous path but his focus was to please God and not man. This is what can make one take a less appealing route.
So, no doubt that God will not allow you to be boxed into a corner as He promised in 1 Corinthians 10:13 (KJV), “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” Nonetheless, you must love God and place Him above everything for this principle to work for you.
Are you facing a difficult challenge where you appear to be between the Red Sea and the deep Blue Sea? Well, remember God delivered Joseph from Potiphar’s house and the Israelites from the Red Sea, He will deliver you. But the conditions for God’s deliverance are: You must be a born again. This is important so that you can hear and see when the Holy Spirit is talking to you or showing you what to do. Secondly, You should be diligent. When you are diligent , you know you can work to earn your living and will not be easily dissuaded because of your stomach. Also, you should Know who you are in Christ by studying the Bible. This will reveal to you the immense benefits/priviledges that accrue to you as a believer. This will help prevent you from being lured by material benefits since you will see that what you have outweigh whatever any other person can offer you.
Lastly, you must be obedient to the word of God so that every temptation to dishonor God will be rebuffed by you knowing that your inheritance in Christ far outweigh whatever you may be offered. Just like satan offered our Lord, Jesus Christ the kingdom of the world and their glory (Matthew 4::8–10) forgetting that Jesus Christ created all of them! (John 1:1-3). Nothing in this world that Satan can offer you which can be comparable to what has been prepared for you! If only you maintain a clear mental image of who God wants you to be and you always check your decision against such an image before you take any action, you will not be falling into temptations. Remember God has given you the Holy Spirit to guide you always. Just ensure you cooperate with Him and follow his leading at all times!
Prayer point:
Father, please lead me away from all temptations in the mighty name of Jesus.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero