Joel M Bradshaw

13No 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….

…31So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.–1 Corinthians 10

1. I journey alongside people who struggle with addictive behaviors.
2. And many of them believe that what they go through is so unique that their temptations are too powerful for them to resist.
3. Verse 13 is a good reminder that any temptation to sin is common and that God is sovereignly in control. You either are trusting God in the midst of your temptation or you are not.
4. There’s always a way out. You don’t have to sin. Dear God, help me in this moment. I feel so weak and need you to provide the way out for me.
5. Verse 31 is one of those verses that can’t be taken out of context. It can stand alone. This is because of the “whatever you do” part. Each of us is always doing something.
6. This means that the verse has the power to reorient your life. I know it did mine. I start my day with this verse. May I give you glory today, God, in all I think, say, and do. I end my day with this verse. Forgive me, God, for the moments today when I didn’t give you glory. These specific moments come to mind…Help me to do better tomorrow.
7. I start and end my day with verse 31. I journey through my day with verse 13. This has worked in my life. I offer these verses (especially 31) all the time in biblical counseling. Every single one of the men who has come to me for help with their addictions has received verse 31. How can these two verses change your day?–JMB