November 11, 2021
Life in Temptation Nation
CINDY BULTEMA
Lee en español
"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 (NIV)
Our homes are separated by an ocean, but our hearts are knit together in a friendship that always keeps it real. So when my friend Regina and I were able to meet face to face stateside, we did more than share a cup of coffee; we shared our very messy 2020 lives.
There was heartache over our deep losses in the lockdown. Loss of connection with our life-giving communities, loss of income and work, and most tragically loss of life. We also shared what we'd gained, and what I shared wasn't good.
In the stresses and messes of working from home and parenting in a pandemic, I coped by turning to tacos and Diet Coke. A tiny slip of a few late-night binges of chips and salsa became a massive slide of unhealthy proportions, which caused me to gain more weight than I would have liked.
Beyond the weight gain, I recognized the triggers that could trip me up and bring old, unhealthy habits into my new days. Twenty-five years ago, similar struggles had led to a downward spiral of cocaine and alcohol addiction. It was time to stop the slide and stand firm on God's unshakeable Truth.
How about you, friend? In these unique times, have old, unhealthy habits resurfaced, or have new hang-ups gained a foothold?
Maybe your ...
- Nightly glass of wine has become one bottle, or even two.
- Online orders for necessities have now snowballed into hiding delivered packages and receipts.
- Scrolling has sabotaged your in-person relationships and you've never felt more isolated or alone.
What can we do if our slip becomes a slide or we discover that what we once controlled now controls us?
Thankfully, God's Word does not leave us guessing. In 1 Corinthians 10:13, Paul gives three keys that speak to you, me, and emotional stuffers and numb-ers everywhere about how to experience victory while bombarded with temptation.
- Remember you are not alone. "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind." (1 Corinthians 10:13a) Friend, you are not the only one. Secrets keep us stuck. Tell someone your struggle.
- Rely on your trustworthy, dependable, faithful God. "And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear." (1 Corinthians 10:13b) God is with you. He is for you, and He always keeps His promises.
- Recall Truth. God will never allow His followers to encounter an unconquerable temptation. Never! Instead, He does this: "But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it" (1 Corinthians 10:13c). God always provides an exit door.
Friend, it's not a sin to be tempted. It's only a sin if we give in to the temptation. Today is the day to make a victorious choice. It's time for you to live full and walk free!
Lord, the next time I'm tempted to run to lesser things, remind me of Your promises. Help me turn to You in my times of trouble. Thank You for providing a way out of temptation so I can walk in Your victory. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
For more of Cindy Bultema's journey from addict to overcomer, grab a copy of her book, Live Full Walk Free: Set Apart in a Sin-Soaked World.
Cindy is the Executive Director of GEMS, the go-to ministry for girls' spiritual growth. GEMS guides girls' faith development through mentoring relationships and Truth-filled resources. Learn more about GEMS here.
ENGAGE
Download Cindy's eight-step "TVP: Temptation Victory Plan" here.
Enter to WIN your very own copy of Live Full Walk Free by Cindy Bultema. To celebrate this book, we're giving away 5 copies! Enter to win by leaving a comment here. {We'll randomly select 5 winners and then notify each one in the comments section by Monday, November 15, 2021.}
FOR DEEPER STUDY
James 4:7, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (NIV)
Reflect on where you are most tempted in your life right now. Identify it, and bring it to light with God. Sin grows in the dark.
In the comments, let us know which of the three key steps from 1 Corinthians 10:13 you need to focus on most!
© 2021 by Cindy Bultema. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org