“There has no temptation taken you but such is common to man; but God is faithful, Who will not permit you to be tempted above that you are able—but will with the temptation also make a way to escape that you may be able to bear it.”
I Corinthians 10:13
They’re the three most important words in the Bible upon which everything else hinges.
“God is faithful.”
When studying God’s Word, we find many wondrous truths or precious spiritual nuggets that inspire us. Although varying in their intent, they are like individual pieces of a magnificent mosaic that combine to create a most beautiful, colorful masterpiece.
Many of these emanate from God’s Person or Character (“Who He is”) and are grounded in His Promises or Conduct (“What He has said or done”), which form the foundation for “saving” or “pleasing” faith (Heb. 11:6).
Most assuredly, these include attributes like “God is Love” and “God is Holy”. . . “God is merciful” and “God is patient”. . . “God is just” and “God’s Peace is enduring.” But, today’s Manna remind us that all of these are meaningless if this one is not true: “God is faithful.”
Think about it:
If God is not faithful, i.e., always trustworthy, then we’ll wonder if God is always loving, holy, merciful, patient, just, etc. If God is not faithful, devilish doubts will soon creep in, making us wonder if “every good and perfect gift is from Above and if there is no variableness or shadow of turning in Him” (James 1:17).
Yes, dear Pilgrim, if God is not faithful, then how shall we know that “Christ is risen. . .our preaching and faith are not in vain. . .we’re not false witnesses. . .we’re no longer in our sins… and those who’ve fallen asleep in Christ have not perished” (I Cor. 15:12-18)?
Truly, everything hinges upon these three words: “God is faithful.”
And, thank God these words are forever true! Hallelujah!!
Because God is faithful, we know “no temptation (Grk. ‘peirasmos’—‘a putting to the test, discipline, trial, adversity, etc.’) has taken (Grk. ‘lambano’—‘to overtake, seize violently, take hold of, catch, etc.’) you, but such as is common to man”—i.e., nothing we’ve gone through, are going through or will go through is unique to us—that will be beyond God’s knowledge and loving care.
And, because He’s faithful, we can also rest assured that in the midst of such “fiery furnace” experiences, like the three Hebrew children we’ll never be alone because He’s promised to be there with us (Dan. 3:24-25; Mt. 28:20; Heb. 13:5b). Glory!
We should also remember He has promised “to not allow us to be brought to the breaking point, but will with the temptation/trial also make a way to escape (either from or in the trial) so we may be able to bear it (Grk. ‘hupophero’—‘to carry from underneath, undergo hardship, endure, move on, etc.’).” So, do not lose hope, weary one, when you’re “growing weary in well-doing” (Gal. 6:9). You are not alone—not when your Faithful Friend is there.
By Tom Smith Morning Manna Dated October 20, 2010
