Friday, August 31, 2007
1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
THE LIMIT OF OUR TRIALS
Are you familiar with the story of Job? You may recall that Job lost all that he had including all his children, with the permission of the LORD. We may ask ourselves why God would allow such things to happen to a person -- a believer no less! We may ask the same question in our own lives when we face our own trials. Why would God, who is almighty, let this happen to me?
In our previous devotions we have discussed some of the reasons for such trials in our lives. At times the LORD may use such things to remind us that He is the one who is in control, and to cause us to rely on Him for our salvation.
But there is another valuable lesson to be learned from the account of Job. Instead of asking why God was allowing this to happen, we should take note that God was limiting what could happen! He told Satan "Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person" (Job 1:12), and later "Behold, he is in your hand, but spare his life" (2:6). God was still in control and put limits on the trials Satan could inflict upon His servant Job.
At times when we are going through difficulties in our lives, we often feel overwhelmed, like we are burdened with more than we can handle. But as with the example of Job, Paul reminds us that our good and gracious God "will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able"! Trust in Him and know that He will provide for your escape.
When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
My grace, all-sufficient, shall be thy supply.
The flames shall not hurt thee; I only design
Thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine.
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 427:5)
