New Year Perspective

 2021 has not been a fresh reset but a series of disappointments.  One has gutted me.  I thought of the scripture that says God will not give you more than you can handle.  So I looked it up because the situations of the past couple of weeks have seemed more than I could handle.  Taken out of context, this scripture seems to give us a guarantee that we will have a magic out from troubling situations.  It doesn't mean or say that.  

1 Corinthians 10:1-14 is a warning against the idolatry that was rampant in the Corinthian church.  Paul wrote to them of Israel's post-exodus history from Egyptian slaves to wanderers in the wilderness.  They were tempted to choose anything but God's provision and sovereignty to bring them to the promise land flowing with milk and honey.  Sexual immorality, putting Christ to the test, and grumbling were the three areas of temptation that Paul highlighted.  He writes a warning not to desire evil as they did. This warning applies to us down the ages.

Verse 12 says, "Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall." Paul is referring to personal temptation to sin and our personal choices.  He is not talking about situations that cause us pain that are beyond our control.  Verse 13 says, "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." 

The situation may not change or get worse but my reactions may tempt me to sin.  The pain of disappointment may result in a harding of my heart, grumbling about it, and self-pity to name a few.  I have Jesus's hope from John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful."  I will keep my eyes and heart fixed on Jesus who gives me peace like no other. I will choose to resist a troubled and fearful heart; Jesus is King of this heart.  And I will ask for a fresh infilling of His Holy Spirit to lead me.